WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A RED

Being a red is more than just being part of a fanbase, it's in our DNA.

Once you’re a red there is no turning back. Win, lose, or draw our support will always be continuous that's for sure. Whether or not you support United because, “my family loves United” or “It’s my local team!” , one thing’s for certain: we are connected through the beauty of our team. Ever since I can remember, nursery rhymes and songs weren’t for me. Rather it was United songs that would bring me joy, even if the words were slightly muddled up.

My uncle Zubair who takes credit for bringing United into my world has been there from day 1 teaching me the songs in the most memorable way possible. My rendition of the famous Ibrahimovic song that I would sing as a child is quite legendary but too embarrassing to share! According to my dad and much to his dismay (he’s a Liverpool fan!) I would recognise Van Persie and do the iconic Pogba dab without a care in the world. I know now how famous and globally supported we are, oh and not forgetting how we live rent free in the head of all the anti-United supporters. But it wasn’t always like this for me.

Growing up and living away from family the only United fan I knew was my uncle, (crazy I know) when I would visit them and watch games together with all the emotions; ranging from sheer joy to utter devastation depending on results. It was like a never-ending rollercoaster of emotions watching our team.

It was only last year when we were in Bucharest and I knew we were drawn to FCSB and would be coming to play in Bucharest (my home at the time) and the relentless search for tickets and all the roadblocks that came along with it. Only then by chance my mum (who would always encourage my passion for football and for following United) found out about the MUMSC and the rest is history!

For the first time I discovered this global Muslim community of like minded Manchester United supporters who have the same passion and loyalty as me. Getting those tickets was like gold dust and I am forever grateful to have been able to see my team for the first time ever and in Bucharest too! When I was there; it was truly an experience of a lifetime; soaking up the atmosphere meant so much to me, hearing United fans coming from different places just to support this amazing club was unforgettable.

That game will stay with me forever, no words can ever describe how much this meant to me. And without MUMSC it would never have been possible.