Glory Glory Man United
The anthem of Manchester United, sung by fans since 1983.
"Glory Glory Man. United" was a single released by the Manchester United squad prior to the 1983 FA Cup final. It was written by Frank Renshaw, who was a member of Herman's Hermits in the 1970s and 1980s. It was recorded at Strawberry Studios in Stockport with the football team and some of Renshaw's friends – Renshaw's son Lee also sang on the recording.
Quick Facts
- Origin song:
- The Battle Hymn of the Republic
- Adoption era:
- Late 1960s; Early 1970s
- Primary usage:
- Pre-match and post-victory celebrations at Old Trafford
- Cultural significance:
- Symbol of unity
- resilience
- and the 'United Family' ethos
Lore & Background
Manchester United fans have been singing this song since 1983. In the 1990s, it became popular among opposition supporters to manipulate the words of the song when playing Manchester United to "Who the f are Man United?", which Man United supporters sarcastically sung themselves after scoring, or while winning, against a rival team.
Reader's Guide
Glory Glory Man United was also the name of the official club poster magazine, launched in 1994 and published every four weeks, totalling 13 issues a year. In 2007 its average reader age was 13 years 2 months. In 2007, a full-length version of "Glory Glory Man United" was written and recorded by "The World Red Army", and produced by Will Robinson and Michael Graves. It became the official song at Old Trafford, featuring mentions of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. A follow-up version titled "Glory Glory Man United 2" was released a decade later with some lyrical changes to reflect the then-current United team, namely Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the 'Glory Glory Man United' melody?
The tune was adapted from the American Civil War song 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic,' which provided the musical foundation for the club's anthem. This adaptation allowed supporters to sing a familiar, stirring melody with new lyrics dedicated to Manchester United.
When did fans begin singing this anthem at Old Trafford?
Supporters started adopting the chant in the late 1960s as a way to honor the legacy of the Busby Babes and rebuild club spirit. It quickly became a staple fixture during matchdays, evolving into an inseparable part of the stadium's atmosphere.
When is 'Glory Glory Man United' typically performed?
The anthem is sung with great fervor before kick-off to rally the team and again after victories to celebrate success. Fans also use it in moments of heartbreak or tragedy, demonstrating its role as a source of resilience rather than just celebration.
Why is this song considered central to Manchester United's culture?
It serves as a powerful symbol of unity that binds generations of the 'United Family' together through shared pride and loyalty. The anthem represents the club's enduring spirit, connecting past glories with present-day supporters in a collective declaration of identity.
Does the song have any specific story or ending?
Unlike a fictional narrative, this anthem has no beginning or end but functions as an eternal tribute to the club's history and future. Its 'story' is simply the continuous cycle of matches played at Old Trafford where fans unite in song regardless of the outcome.
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