Alex Stepney

Alex Stepney

PATRON

Born in Mitcham, Surrey in September 1942, Alex was signed for £55,000 - then a world record fee for a 'keeper- from Chelsea, in the 1966/67 campaign, which was to end with the Championship pennant flying at Old Trafford. Rated as one of England's leading 'keepers, his assurance in the United halls of immortality came in one heart-stopping moment at Wembley in 1968, in the European Cup Final. Extra time loomed as United and Benfica were one apiece. Eusebio outstripped the United defence and found himself with only Alex between him and glory. Eusebio shot, Alex dived, caught the ball and United went on to reach the end of the rainbow! For 12 years, under 5 different managers, his name was synonymous with that of United. Even after he plied his trade elsewhere, United remained in his heart. His favourite player was George Best. Alex agreed to become a Patron because he wants to help carry on the tradition of United, as a club for the supporters. He hates the idea of faceless moneymen coming into the club who would spoil the fabric and traditions we hold so dear.
Read more Read less
Anthony Farnell

Anthony Farnell

PATRON

Anthony is the Manchester boxer known as "The Warrior". He has twice been the WBO International Champion and once WBU World Middleweight Champion. A "Red" through and through, he has been a United supporter since he was a child. Always interested in sport, he started in the fight game when he was fourteen and as an amateur had 25 fights, winning 22 of them. He turned professional at the age of eighteen, since when he has had 35 fights, winning 31, with 22 knockouts. Still only in his early 20's, he will no doubt go on to many more victories. He his honoured to be a Patron of SU, and wants to help our cause in any way possible.
Read more Read less
David Ruffley MP

David Ruffley MP

PATRON

Born in Bolton in April 1962, David is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Bury St. Edmunds. He was educated at Bolton Boy's School and went on to Queens ' College, Cambridge , where he achieved a B.A in Law in 1985. Following in his fathers footsteps ( Mr. Ruffley senior was a solicitor) David worked as a solicitor from 1985 to 1991, after which he became Special Advisor to Ken Clarke M.P, whilst he was Secretary of State for Education and Science, then Home Secretary and later Chancellor of the Exchequer. His next post was as Strategic Economic Consultant to the Conservative party and is currently Vice-President of the Small Business Bureau. David also serves on the Select Committees of the Treasury and Treasury Sub-Committee. He has been a United supporter since 1966, again following his father, who supported the Reds from 1948. His favourite player of all time is George Best and his most memorable game was the European Cup Final of 1968. David's hobbies are football and golf. He became a Patron because he is a Manchester United supporter.
Read more Read less
Debbie Horsfield

Debbie Horsfield

PATRON

Debbie was born in Urmston, spent her childhood in Eccles and is Red to the core. She was educated at Eccles Grammar School, then Newcastle University, where she gained an Honours degree in English Language and Literature. She is the writer of many notable stage and television productions, such as, "IN THE BLOOD", "OUT ON THE FLOOR", "RED DEVILS TRILOGY"(all about 4 female United fans), "THE RIFF-RAFF ELEMENT", "BORN TO RUN", "SEX, CHIPS & ROCK'N'ROLL", "MAKING OUT", and the hugely popular "CUTTING IT". Her husband is the actor, Martin Wenner, and they live in Ramsbottom, Cheshire with their three sons and one daughter. Debbie loves United deeply and became a Patron because she feels strongly that the fans should have a voice within the club. The realisation that any ordinary fan, such as she, could own a piece of the club and have a voice heard was wonderful.
Read more Read less
Ed O'Brien

Ed O'Brien

PATRON

Ed plays guitar with Radiohead who are one of the biggest British musical exports of recent times. The band have released 6 albums and their 1997 release "OK Computer" is often hailed as one of the best ever albums in music polls by both fans and critics aside. Ed got the United bug when he was at Manchester University and was taken on the Stretford End by a mate. He goes to watch the reds whenever he gets a break from his busy schedule and loves a good old sing song with the boys. Ed is very fond of the fans Joy Division re-working of "Love will tear you apart again" and is proud to be a patron of Shareholders United.
Read more Read less
Elizabeth Wood

Elizabeth Wood

PATRON

The widow of Busby Babe, Ray Wood, Elizabeth has lived in London for many years. She and Ray came from Hebburn-on-Tyne, where they were married, to Manchester in August 1954. They had two daughters, Denise and Deborah and considered themselves blessed to have two grandchildren, Patrick and Rebecca Price. When the Munich disaster happened, Elizabeth spent eight weeks in Germany with Ray and still feels that she was lucky to have brought him home. A few months after this traumatic event, they had a still-born son. The couple moved from Manchester to Huddersfield Town, then to Bradford City, and Barnsley, later spending two wonderful years in California. After America, they moved on to Cyprus and later Kenya, in both countries, Ray was national coach. Elizabeth returned to London with the girls, for their education and her health, which resulted in the breakdown of the marriage and divorce. Ray had a heart attack in 1983 and a by-pass operation two years later. He died in July 2002. Elizabeth still believes he was a true gentleman. Her memories of the Busby Babes are still fresh and the belief that they were all generous, talented professionals, respected all over the world, remains strong. Her greatest player of all time is Duncan Edwards, describing him as "a giant of a man, in every sense of the word." She was very happy to become a Patron and vows to help the cause whenever and wherever she can.
Read more Read less
Gary "Mani" Mounfield

Gary "Mani" Mounfield

PATRON

Mani, as he is affectionately known, is one of the most friendly and recognisable faces in Manchester. He grew up in Failsworth and loved the reds from a very early age and cites the Docherty era as very memorable. Mani was the bass player with the legendary local band who achieved national success, The Stone Roses. Their debut album, The Stone Roses, along with the Beatles and Radiohead, is in every music critic's greatest album list. Nowadays he plays in cult Scottish rock band Primal Scream. Everywhere you go in Manchester someone will know Mani and the 99% of people adore him. He gets to the games whenever he can and is proud to be a patron alongside Pat Crerand, one of his all time heroes. Next time you hear the opening chords of 'This is the one' at Old Trafford think of Mani and enjoy it more.
Read more Read less
Harry Gregg R.I.P

Harry Gregg R.I.P

PATRON

It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Harry Gregg - former United player, hero of Munich and also very special to us as a longstanding patron of M.U.S.T. Harry was a proper hero and a true Manchester United legend. As a Patron of M.U.S.T he showed that he understood what our club meant to its fans. They don't make many like that. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Harry. R.I.P.

As one of the mighty Legends of United, Harry needs very little introduction to supporters. Born on 27th October 1932, in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, Harry arrived at Old Trafford bearing the tag of The World's Most Expensive Goalkeeper. Prior to leaving Ireland, he was capped at every level, schoolboy, youth, amateur and Inter-League. Strangely, in nine years at United, the only medal he ever won was an F.A.Cup Runners Up medal from the cup final in 1958. As we all know, Harry was a survivor of the Munich disaster, showing unbelievable bravery, saving a 20-month-old baby, a pregnant woman, and trying to revive Sir Matt Busby. He was part of the patchwork team that Jimmy Murphy built after the crash. Even after a horrific shoulder injury, when surgeons said he might never play again, he battled back to fitness, to play against Benfica seven months later. The death of his first wife, Mavis, was a shattering blow, which took a heavy toll. Although Harry was once again United's first choice goalkeeper, he suffered injuries and a very bad car crash, missing most of the 64/65 season, but remained in the first team until Alex Stepney was bought in 1966. In a playing career, which spanned almost two decades, he won 25 International caps for Northern Ireland, assisting his country to the quarter finals of the World Cup in Sweden in 1958, where he was voted the tournament's best keeper. In 1995, Harry was rewarded by his country, receiving an M.B.E in the Queens Birthday Honours List, which he accepted on behalf of the many friends who perished at Munich. We are honoured that such a man accepted our invitation to become an SU/MUST Patron.

Read more Read less
Ian McShane

Ian McShane

PATRON

Born in Blackburn, Lancashire in 1942, and raised in Manchester, Ian has always been a United supporter. Not surprising really as his father, Harry, was a United player. Married to Gwen, Ian is the father of two children, Kate and Morgan. World renowned as a superb actor, not many people know that his talents stretch to producing and directing also. He produced the television series "Madson" in 1966, and directed several episodes of "Lovejoy". Although perhaps best known for his role in "Lovejoy", playing the central character, a lovable, rapscallion, antiques dealer, he has been acting since 1962 and as well as starring in numerous T.V. and film productions. Ian has also made several notable guest appearances in such series as "Miami Vice", "Minder", "Magnum", "Redcap" and latterly, "West Wing" and "Twilight Zone". Ian is currently appearing as Al Swearengen, proprietor of the Gem Saloon in the acclaimed HBO series "Deadwood". His response to the Glazer takeover was "Repel all borders. I suggest peaceful protest, but would not rule out nuclear reaction if pushed. Power to the people."
Read more Read less
John Leech MP

John Leech MP

PATRON

In an unprecedented change to the usual Patron, John Leech, the new Liberal Democrat M.P. for the Manchester Withington constituency, has been a Manchester City season-ticket holder for 21 years. But he was more than happy to become a Patron, because he agrees so strongly with our views on the Glazer takeover and wants to support our aims and ambitions for the future of the club we love so much. John, born in Hastings, has lived in Manchester since he was 4 years old, presently living in South Manchester with his girlfriend. He was educated at Manchester Grammar School, Loreto College and Brunel University, where he studied History and Politics. He is Vice Chair of the Grandparents and Extended Kin Group and a Member of the Select Committee on Transport. Asked why he had agreed to become a Patron, his reply was a simple one. "I strongly believe that football clubs should be better protected from individuals just out to make a profit, who appear to have no obvious commitment to the club. As a City supporter, it would be very easy for me not to care about the future of United, but football SHOULD be about the fans, not about the money, regardless of which team you support." We welcome John as a Patron who wants to be an active member of the Patrons' group.
Read more Read less
John Monks

John Monks

PATRON

Born in the Blackley district of Manchester in 1945, John Monks is best known for his long service to the trade union movement. He is married, with three children and holds honorary degrees from the universities of UMIST, Nottingham, Cranfield, Salford, Cardiff and Kingston. He was, until 2003 the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, which is Britain 's largest voluntary organisation, including 76 member unions, representing nearly 7 million people. Known as "The Calm Persuader", he was given a "This Is Your Life" presentation at Congress House, a guest at which was Sir Alex Ferguson. His interests include music, sports and hiking. John has been a life-long United supporter, attending matches whenever possible. He also supports Swinton Rugby League Club and Lancashire County Cricket Club. He was only too pleased to accept our invitation to become a Patron of SU.
Read more Read less
Keith Bradley

Keith Bradley

PATRON

Bio to appear here soon.
Mark Chapman

Mark Chapman

PATRON

Mark Chapman was born in Sale, near Manchester, in October 1973. He works for both Radio 1 and Radio 5 Live and is one of the most well known radio personalities in the country. Mark has been attending United matches since October 1981, his first match being the day United beat Wolves 5-0 and Bryan Robson signed his first contract with the club, there on the Old Trafford pitch. Robbo is Mark’s all time hero.

He says, "It has changed so much from when an eight-year-old boy from Sale, South Manchester was taken to Old Trafford for his birthday by his Dad and fell in love with Manchester United Football Club. Glazer is a businessman. He needs to make money just to cover interest payments on his debt. I am not helping this man make money out of my football club. And that is what it comes down to. He sees it as a business and not a sport. In that respect he isn't that different from a lot of people at the top of the game.The plc kept the club in profit. Glazer has put them in debt. I have kept my ticket for next year because if I gave it up, it would go to somebody who would treat Old Trafford like Disneyland. I can still protest though. I won't buy a programme, or a shirt, or a scarf or a duvet cover for my son."

Read more Read less
Mickey Thomas

Mickey Thomas

PATRON

Bio to appear here soon.
Nigel Evans MP

Nigel Evans MP

PATRON

Nigel was born and educated in Swansea and still owns a convenience store there, which his grandfather set up in the 1930's. He has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for the Ribble Valley, Lancashire since 1992. A member of the all- party groups dealing with music, tourism, manufacturing, drugs misuse and space group. He was made shadow Secretary of State for Wales in September 2001 and in October 2003, was appointed to the Welsh Affairs Select Committee. He also serves on the Trade & Industry Select Committee. An avid United supporter, he was more than happy to become a Patron of SU.
Read more Read less
Ole Gunnar Solskjær

Ole Gunnar Solskjær

PATRON

United's Norwegian striker (and part time Elvis impersonator) will be forever remembered for his winning goal against Bayern Munich in the 1999 European Cup Final. The reds number 20 has been immortalised with his own banner hanging from the Stretford End. Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for a mere £1.5 million in 1996, Ole soon became an indispensable member of the team that was to go on to win the 1999 Treble. And who could forget his 4 goals in 10 minutes against Notts Forest when he came on as sub? A successful striking partnership with Teddy Sheringham was followed by the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy and the duo immediately started to hit it off with Ole scoring 26 goals in their first season together. Recently, injury has blighted his career but with a career record of 115 goals in 199 apearances we are looking forward to the 'Assassin' making his 200th and to many more goals in the red shirt of United.

On being asked to become a Patron of SU/MUST Ole said: "I am honoured. I think it is important that the club remains in the right hands. I am absolutely on the supporters' side and think the club is in very good hands as it is today. I am a United fan myself and only want what is best for the future."

Read more Read less
Pete Boyle

Pete Boyle

PATRON

Born in Withington and raised in Altrincham, Pete has been a United supporter all his life. Attending his first game in 1977 he has been a regular at Old Trafford since then, attending all away matches since 1982. Most of the songs that are sung on the United terraces are composed by Pete, the latest of which is the John O'Shea chant. He has had 5 albums of songs released so far, with the O'Shea single out in March 2004. Pete believes that United has the best range of songs and the most original, in the whole of the Premiership. His favourite player is Eric, with Jimmy Greenoff running a close second. He thinks that by being a Patron, he can help to keep the club independent.
Read more Read less
Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson

PATRON

Born in Greenock, Renfrewshire, in 1936, Richard is a bachelor. He is a supporter of the Labour Party and was awarded an O.B.E. in 1994 for his services to Drama, as both actor and director. He was Rector of the University of Glasgow from 1996 to 1999. Although probably best known to many for his portrayal of the irascible "Victor Meldrew" in "One Foot In The Grave", it may surprise many to know just how much other television work he has done. He has directed somewhere in the region of thirty stage plays and some thirty-three television productions. His awards are countless, but they include M.E.N. Best New Play & Writers Guild Award for Regional Theatre, Winner of the John Whiting Award, Winner British Comedy Awards-Top Television Comedy Actor 1991, BAFTA Best Actor-Light Entertainment 1991, BAFTA Scotland-Best TV Actor 1993 and BAFTA-Best Actor-Light Entertainment 1993. A seriously funny man. He is a long time United supporter, who accepted our invitation to become an SU Patron with pleasure.
Read more Read less
Robert Powell

Robert Powell

PATRON

Born in Salford in 1944, the youngest of three children, Robert studied law at Manchester University. After acting in a student play, the director was so impressed, he convinced him to study acting. Robert moved to London in 1964 to carry on his theatrical career. Married to Barbara Lord, who was one of Pan's People, they have a son and a daughter. The star of such films as "The Thirty Nine Steps", "Jesus of Nazareth", "Mahler"; he has also made his mark in television from series such as "Doomwatch" and, more recently, "The Detectives". He also has an honorary MA from Salford University. He works with many charitable associations and is an intrepid sailor, recently helping his wife with her BT Challenge, the toughest round the world yacht race in the world. Always a Manchester United supporter, Robert had no hesitation in accepting our invitation to become a Patron of SU.
Read more Read less
Terry  Hall R.I.P.

Terry Hall R.I.P.

PATRON

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Terry after a brief illness. He was a long standing member of MUST and served as a patron for over two decades. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones from everyone at MUST.

Terry was the former singer with the legendary ska band, The Specials, who enjoyed both critical acclaim and chart success in the late 70's and early 80's. After the band disbanded he went on to front other groups such as the Fun Boy Three and the Colourfield before going alone in the early 90's. Terry fell in love with United through George Best and moved up to the Stockport area in the early 80's so he could watch the reds regular. Nowadays he resides in London but gets to as many home and aways as possible. Terry is proud to be a patron of MUST.
Read more Read less
Terry Lewis

Terry Lewis

PATRON

Up until the last General Election, when he decided not to stand for re-election, Terry was the Labour Member of Parliament for Worsley in Manchester. Born in Ordsall, he was educated in Salford and entered local government in 1976 where he rose to be deputy leader of Bolton Council. He is married to Audrey and has one son, although another son sadly died. He has been a member of various Select Committees, such as Member Environment, Members Interests and Standards and Privileges. He takes a strong interest in United and although he is no longer active in Paliament he is very pleased to remain among the Patrons of MUST and looks forward to still being able to contribute, being a long time fan of the best club in the world.
Read more Read less
Tony Lloyd

Tony Lloyd

PATRON

Tony Lloyd is a Labour Party politician and the inaugural Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester. Born in Stretford, and serving as a Trafford councillor from 1979 to 1984, in 1983 Tony was elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Stretford, before being selected for the Manchester Central seat when it was created in 1997. As an MP, he was an opposition spokesman between 1987 and 1997, a Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office between 1997 and 1999, and Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party from 2006 to 2012. Tony continued as a constituency MP until October 2012, when he stepped down to contest the 2012 Police and Crime Commissioner elections in the Greater Manchester Police area.

In 2011, the Manchester Evening News listed Lloyd among its 250 of the Most Influential People in Greater Manchester, describing him as "a major figure on Labour politics in Greater Manchester", and introduced him as "the most powerful man in Greater Manchester" on his victory as the region's inaugural Police and Crime Commissioner in 2012. In a directory of MPs produced by The Guardian, Andrew Roth described Lloyd as "well informed, thoughtful and realistic regionalist and internationalist".

In March 2011 he tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons for Ryan Giggs to be knighted.

His reason for becoming a Patron is that, "In a world of the continued growth of corporate owners of football clubs, the ordinary supporter needs a stronger voice and a collective voice. Shareholders United is a very potent way of making our voices heard."

Read more Read less
Willie Morgan

Willie Morgan

PATRON

Willie was born in Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, Scotland in 1944. He was signed by Sir Matt Busby, for United in 1968 for a then record fee of £117,000, and was already the first footballer to have his own official fan club. Willie captained Manchester United and is still recognised today as one of the Legends included in the line-up of United's "Magnificent 7's". In 1972, after playing against Brazil, Willie was named as "The Best Right Winger In The World" and proceeded to represent his country, Scotland, to reach the finals of the World Cup. He played 291 (3) games and scored 33 goals. He got 21 Scotland caps between 1967 and 1974, and won the old 2 nd Division Championship in the season 74/75. He became a Patron of SU to show his support as an ex United player, because his love and interest in Manchester United will always be a part of his life.
Read more Read less