Cape Town - Despite things having not gone to plan in recent seasons and last winning a trophy in 2017, Manchester United fans are standing behind their team.
They also did not have the best start to the 2022/2023 EPL season, as they lost their opening two matches, however, they bounced back with three consecutive victories. Things don’t get easier for the Red Devils as they play log-leaders Arsenal tomorrow.
Loyal supporters Ricky and Johan van Wyk, who have been supporting Manchester United for four decades, are expecting nothing less than three points against the London outfit.
This will help the team’s league position as well as the team’s confidence moving forward.
Giving Arsenal their first defeat of the season would also go a long way in keeping the leading pack at bay.
Ricky said he is disappointed with their start to the season, however, he believes in his beloved Manchester United.
“The win over our bin-dipping Scouse arch-rivals(Liverpool) at least made up for the bad start, and I know that we will kick on from here-on in. In Erik ten Hag and Man United I believe,” he said.
The Mitchells Plain pair will be hoping their new signings such as Carlos Henrique Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will help them finish in the top four this season.
They are also happy with the appointment of Cape Town-born Benni McCarthy as the team’s forward coach.
Ricky said he is over the moon with McCarthy’s appointment.
“It’s so tragic that our very own people can’t acknowledge and see the value in one of South Africa’s most accomplished players and qualified football managers.
“Contrary to belief, Benni actually deserved this appointment by going through a rigorous interview and training practical process to get the job ahead of others,” he said.
Most of the team’s matches are watched at Ricky’s man-cave, as he has an exclusive area at his home, dedicated to Manchester United.
It is fitted with a custom-made Manchester United badge light-box, DJ box, bar, bookshelves of his collections, home and away kits and signed posters by former players.
The father of two said supporting Manchester United has become part of his life.
“I eat, sleep and dream of Man United through thick and thin. I don’t presume to be the biggest Man United supporter, as I know many die-hard supporters out there, however I simply can’t imagine my life without Man United,” he said.
Like Ricky, Johan also has memorabilia of his beloved Manchester United. He has a signed jersey of former goalkeeper Tim Howard, which he received for his birthday, a mirror photo of former captain Roy Keane, scarves, jerseys and books.
He said Manchester United’s fan base, success and trophies over the years makes them the club, who they are today.
“I was born to be red,” he said.
Johan is also well known on TikTok, as he always goes live during a game or after the match to voice his opinion. He has more than 40 000 followers and more than 400 000 likes.
Johan said the reason for TikTok is to show his support, love, loyalty and the crazy little devil in him.
“My TikTok life is to vent my frustration and listen to different opinions about the EPL games. I enjoy the platform because people like my craziness and my content. I also love networking and like to meet new people all the time,” he said.