Manchester United Are My Favourite Team… And I’m an Arsenal Fan

Manchester United Are My Favourite Team… And I’m an Arsenal Fan

Simon Miller's Column

A Gunner Who Loves the Red Devils. Why?..

I’m ashamed I wrote that as a headline, so I’ll apologise now. Given this is my first article for Football Park, though, I felt like I should establish the fact I’ll always be honest, so as above.

Manchester United have become my favourite team when it comes to checking scores at the weekend. And why? Because you never know what numbers you’re going to see.

So far this season United have lost to Hull, whooped Ipswich and then yesterday drew with Everton in undoubtedly thrilling circumstances. I know a few friends who support Michael Carrick’s band of merry men who were quietly confident of a title push this year and yet here we are a few games in, left with more questions than answers and witholding a total fascination with the Manchester derby this week.

Look at it this way. If someone put a gun to your head and demanded a score for the game, what would you say? Understandably you’d be confused because, as a football supporter, you’re happy to chat fixtures without someone threatening your life, but in such a situation I think you’d be lost.

Derby Day Cometh

Even during occasions where United were poor, they’ve somehow managed to find a result against their neighbours. We all recall Paul Pogba remembering he was a World Cup winner and wrecking The Blues a few years ago, and that's before you go through other games from recent memory.

3-0 at the Etihad to City in September 2025. A goalless draw at Old Trafford in April. Then, way back at the end of 2024, United stole a 2-1 victory away from home which was the same scoreline as the FA Cup Final from May of the same year, when Kobbie Mainoo properly announced himself to the world from between the lines of Wembley Stadium. There’s no rhyme or reason to any of it.

We then have the knowledge that, as of me writing, City have had the perfect start to the season and, given Man United don’t seem to know who they are… well, it’s one of my most anticipated games so far this term.

And sure, that’s likely because, if United pull a rabbit out the hat and win, Arsenal will start to creep away at the top, but if City won 7-1 after Haaland went off I don’t think I'd be all that surprised. Would I put money on this though? Of course not. Even with a cold barrel pressed against my skull.

From what I can gather, too, it mostly comes down to the defence. United is essentially playing with the same backline that Ten Hag used when football was still broadcast in black and white. Most know the trials and tribulations of Luke Shaw but he’s past his best, as is Harry Maguire.

I truly think Maguire has been dragged on occasion for no reason, but if defences win you trophies, Harry and Lisandro Martinez as your centre halves is understandably a slight worry. Lenny Yoro could come of age any day but as of September 2026, he doesn't seem like the answer - at least not yet. I thought Matthijs de Ligt would be that guy but, as of last weekend, he’s still not fit. I’m also not entirely sure he’s lived up to expectations.

There’s really no need to jump into the strength, or lack thereof, within their squad, however. Why do we watch sport? Well, to be entertained first and foremost and in that respect, Manchester United always get top marks for thrill-factor. Even at the backend of last year Carrick somehow became the magical man who led them to third place. They strengthened their midfield and were ready to bang a drum before everyone was debating whether or not Ipswich would make it two losses on the bounce.

Maybe, due to my age, I’m always convinced that United will come good eventually. But also, as an Arsenal fan who witnessed Wenger vs Fergie in it's prime, I constantly hope they lose. What a delightful rollercoaster they have become, however, and hey - they are still the team that makes all the headlines. At least that’s the one thing that never changed.

Everyone always wants to talk about Manchester United…

Simon Miller
Simon Miller Columnist

Simon Miller - Professional Wrestler and Football Park Columnist

Simon has supported Arsenal for so long he remembers a time where being a fan of The Gunners didn’t get you instant hate from the wider football community just for wearing red. Arguably these were better times…

He’s also appeared on The Overlap trying to be as balanced as possible when people want to tear his head off, and often joins Live From N5, Arsenal’s in-house production that airs before and after games. All that really means is he’s heard the worst of the worst but always wants to focus on the best of the best.

That’s why he retains a greater interest in football in general, right down to always keeping an eye on Luton Town thanks to his avid supporting father. If that’s not a total 180 of the current landscape we don’t know what is.

With many Panini and Topps sticker books to his name, Simon now wants to share his ups and downs when it comes to the Premier League, be that the sheer ‘Not Of This Earth’ statistics put up by Erling Haaland, or why Danny Wellbeck is without doubt the nicest person in the game right now. It seems as if he deems both to be as important as the other…

Outside of this Simon can also be seen throwing humans around in his pants, not because he has a strange fetish, but because he’s a pro-wrestler. He also has a YouTube channel dedicated to sports entertainment, and yet still feels elements of football could be more pre-determined than WWE. He could be right.

View all articles by Simon Miller →

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