Founded as Newton Heath back in 1878, the club known to their fans simply as 'Man U' was initiated in 1902. For much of their earlier history, they were described as a 'yo yo’ club, forever bouncing between promotion and relegation in England’s First and Second Divisions. The managerial appointment of Matt Busby in the 1940s saw United gradually assuming pole position amongst English football’s elite clubs, and with the introduction of club legends, such as Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, and mercurial Irishman, George Best, they enjoyed success at every level, bagging the first of three European Cups in 1968.

Understandably, if you're a supporter of the Red Devils, you'll be less enamoured by their current dip in form. Although the Reds eclipsed their neighbours, the sky blues of Manchester City, for decades, those roles have been reversed from the 2010s onwards, with a resurgent City becoming England’s dominant force, winning the title seven times in the last decade. If you’re single and seeking someone to share your love of United, you’ll need to know how to explain the intensity of your passion to your new date. But even before you get to that stage, you’ll have to find someone suitable to hookup with or even form a couple and share your match days.

Matchday mixing

Not so long ago, football was far more tribal, and women were never represented in stadia in large numbers. The modern game has altered completely, with whole families now being welcomed into Old Trafford to support the team. Previously, fans would’ve rubbed shoulders with the opposite sex in bars or social clubs near the ground. Now you can rely on a reputable hook up site to make the introductions. The digital environment chimes with the contemporary appeal of football, with match day representing giving out a positive vibe where all are welcome to cheer on the club. Popping into chat rooms on dating sites and apps will give singles access to a diverse pool of talent, with discreet communication platforms offering private channels for exchanging DMs about arranging hookups and romantic dates.

Making your case for the Red Devils

After the easy bit – reaching out to one of the cross-sections of interesting individuals who've uploaded their contact details specifically so they can initiate fun encounters – comes the trickier aspect. Convincing a non-believer why they should become invested in supporting Manchester’s largest club (by revenue and worldwide fan base, as a bare minimum). Explain to them that your club has traditionally drawn its support from all over England, with coaches regularly travelling up the main motorways from London (the so-called Cockney Reds who eschew Arsenal, Chelsea et al, much to the annoyance of local football fans!) But even more than that British-based allegiance (with many enthusiasts also travelling over the Irish Sea, emulating their hero, George Best), United have fan clubs in every continent.

'Noisy Neighbours' City may be part-owned by an Abu Dhabi business consortium, but United have extensive support in the Far East, the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and much of the Americas. What's more, these fans gravitate to Manchester United more than any other English club because they are steeped in tradition. Former players are venerated, remembered fondly at testimonial dinners, and offered pride of place in VIP seating on match days, while the statues outside the ground have immortalised Sir Matt Busby, and the ‘Holy Trinity’ of Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, and George Best; some of the greatest players to have represented not only Man U, but also their respective home nations, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.

Drop some important names

As well as those icons, you can impress your prospective partner with the array of talented players who have pulled on the famous red jerseys in more recent years. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson presided over unprecedented success during the 1990s; the fabled 'class of 1992’ - Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and, perhaps the most renowned of them all (especially via social media), David Beckham; the erratic, temperamental but brilliant French attacking midfielder, Eric Cantona; graceful Portuguese, Christiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest ever players of the modern age; home-grown talent, such as Wayne Rooney, the club’s record goalscorer, and also England’s top scorer between 2015 and 2023.

Explain certain cultural phenomena

There's so much more to the Red Devils than football. Aside from the glittering array of trophies, the League titles and FA Cups, European Cups and League Cups, there are many cultural aspects involved with being a MU fan. Liverpool are major rivals in terms of battles for League titles; and there are those noisy neighbours from eastern Manchester, City, traditionally the underdogs in derbies – of the 191 meetings between the Reds and Sky Blues in all competitions, the former have emerged victorious on 78 occasions (compared to a measly 60 for the latter!)

Consider gifting them a jersey for the matchday