My United: David Gray

David Gray, multiple platinum album selling singer/songwriter and life-long Red, shares his passion for United and hopes for next season with Inside United...

First started supporting United
I’ve followed United from as early as I can remember. My family are from Manchester and my grandfather was a dedicated Red. As a result, my dad was a fan too, so there was no question that I would follow any other team. As a young boy during the early seventies I’d go and watch the games – sometimes on my grandfather’s season ticket, which was right on the half-way line – sometimes with my dad into the Stretford End where I’d be perched on his shoulders. I’ll never forget how the crowd swayed around when we scored. It was like one big animal with thousands of heads wobbling around! United were certainly not in their prime when I first became aware of them and I saw them lose a lot.

First United hero
I was a huge Steve Coppell fan when I was younger, but I’d have to go with Gordon Hill. He was the first player that really caught my eye. He was quick and brilliant at taking players on. He was the type of player that you’d pay to watch, like you would with Giggs or Ronaldo.

All-time legend
It’s a toss-up between Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs. The fact that Giggs won his ninth Premiership title last season is just phenomenal. He’s an ambassador for the game who is hugely respected by all football fans. Sir Bobby is another great ambassador for football, as well as United. Both have a lovely way about them and I think Giggs embodies the spirit that Sir Bobby brought to Old Trafford when he was a player.

Best ever match
It has to be last season’s 7-1 win over Roma – it truly was one of the greatest performances I’ve ever witnessed. It was an incredible night and a real privilege to be at Old Trafford.

Favourite ever goal
Giggsy’s screamer in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal in 1999. I wasn’t able to get to the game itself so I watched it in a little Irish pub near where I was living, which was round the corner from Highbury! I ended up running round the streets celebrating afterwards even though I was surrounded by Gooners! It’s the most defining moment of football magic I’ve seen.

Where do you sit at Old Trafford?
My seats are in the East stand up above the corner flag. I’ve had much better seats in terms of the view, but none where the atmosphere is so good when it all gets going. I’m pretty vocal at games; it’s the time when you can let it all out.

All-time favourite XI
The first team I really got to love was the one which included the likes of McIlroy, Macari, Coppell, Hill, Pearson, the Greenhoff brothers and Martin Buchan, who actually bought our house off us in Sale. He said he wanted our piano but he never paid for it. My dad always tells the story that he managed to get seats by the touchline for one game and when Buchan came over to take a throw-in he said: “Buchan. Where’s the money for my bloody piano?’” And the cheque turned up the following week!

Most disliked team
This can change depending on the season or the game, but as a rule I don’t make a habit of disliking other teams. Traditionally, of course, there is the greatest rivalry with and antipathy towards Liverpool and I must say I absolutely loathed them during my youth – they seemed to win everything in sight! But since they’ve faded away in the past couple of decades it’s become hard to muster the same depth of feeling.

Favourite United memory
Watching the 1999 Champions League final on television, staying up celebrating and then driving up to Manchester with my wife to cheer on the team when they got back from Barcelona.

Who would you sign if you had an unlimited budget?
Essien, Kaka, Messi. Michael Essien has been phenomenal for Chelsea which makes it all the more frustrating that they snatched him from under our noses. Messi is exceptional, while Kaka is an absolute genius – who wouldn’t want him?!

Can we win the league next season?
Absolutely. I don’t think too many people thought we’d win it last season, but having done so I think we’re more than capable of building on such a great achievement. Owen Hargreaves is an excellent addition to the squad and I’m sure he’ll do well for us. I’d like to see us get another striker in to boost the frontline and hopefully Ronaldo can maintain his high standards. I have a feeling Liverpool might play a bigger part in the title race, as well as Chelsea, of course. Nevertheless, I think the team spirit will see us through – that was the main catalyst for our success last season and I think it will be again.

For more info on David's future album release and tour dates visit www.davidgray.com.

09/07/2007 12:28, Report by Gemma Thompson