Manchester United is one of the most well-supported football clubs in the world.
No other football team in this country benefits from such a worldwide following and this was made clear during their tour of Australia in 2022. For their 2023 pre-season trip, Erik ten Hag’s side will visit the USA as they prepare for another season in the Premier League.
While fixtures have not yet been announced for the tour, it may be an opportunity for some of the Reds’ celebrity fans to watch their team in action stateside. With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at five American celebrities who are supporters of United.
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Julia Roberts
After Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s revelations in midweek, it seems only right to start with the actor who is best known for her roles in Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich. Roberts visited Manchester back in 2016 and chose to be given a guided tour at Old Trafford rather than visiting the Etihad Stadium.
It was unclear until Tuesday night how irked by this Guardiola was but his comments appear to show that this got to him. He explained: “Whatever happens in the Champions League this year, winning, even if we win this Champions League, three in a row I’ll be a failure.
“I have three idols in my life: Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Julia Roberts. These are my three idols.
“For obvious reasons, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods and Julia Roberts as well. Julia Roberts came to Manchester, not in the 80s and 90s when [United] were with Sir Alex Ferguson winning titles after titles.
“She came during the period we were better than United over the last four or five years. She went to visit Man United, she didn’t come to see us, so that’s why even if I win the Champions League, we will not be compared because of the fact that Julia Roberts came to Manchester and didn’t come to see us – my idol.”
Megan Fox
From one actor to another, Fox is best known for her role in the Transformer movies. However, it appears that she is also a big United fan and even has a favourite player.
During the 2009/10 season, Fox was seen sporting a United shirt on the red carpet. But her support for Javier Hernandez goes even further after she was spotted in Los Angeles with a custom shirt which paid tribute to Chicharito.
Floyd Mayweather
Mayweather’s support for the United is perhaps not as diehard as those above but he has still pledged his allegiance to the Reds. In an interview with Rio Ferdinand for BT Sport, the boxer was asked whether he preferred United or City.
He responded: “Who got the better record? Who got the more championships?
“[United], well that’s who we rocking with baby. I have yet to go to a football game, I’m waiting to go to a football game.
“Eventually I want to go to one of the biggest football games in the world.” Back in 2007, Mayweather even turned up to a press conference ahead of the fight with City supporter Ricky Hatton wearing a United shirt to try and get in the head of the Manchester-born fighter.
Justin Timberlake
The multi-Grammy award winning singer has declared his support for United in the past having become good friends with ex-Reds striker Alan Smith. Speaking in 2007, Timberlake said: “I’m a Red.
“I’m mates with Smithy so he’s my favourite player but [Cristiano] Ronaldo isn’t bad either. I really like [Wayne] Rooney too.
“Smithy hooked me up with some tickets so I went to watch the home game against West Ham.”
Rey Mysterio
WWE superstar Rey Mysterio was given the opportunity to complete a life goal of many United fans by visiting the Reds’ training camp when they were in LA back in 2018. The former world heavyweight champion, had his picture taken with plenty of the United squad including boss Jose Mourinho and Scott McTominay.
Goalkeeper David de Gea also presented Mysterio with a shirt which had the number 619 on the back, a reference to his famous finishing move in the wrestling company. Taking to Instagram after the visit, Mysterio said: “Thank you David de Gea for the meet today.
“Was a pleasure being able to exchange gifts. Hope you like the custom De Gea mask. Thank you for the hospitality Manchester United.”
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