Reds of the World – Zeinab Fawaz – Beirut, Lebanon

Reds of the World will be a series of interviews with supporters from around the globe. If you’d like to participate, get in touch with me via Twitter, @kframpton.

It’s time to fire up a fresh edition of ROTW, folks!

This time out, we’re off to another ancient and beautiful country – Lebanon. By now you won’t be surprised to know that there is a very active network of supporters there, with screenings happening in multiple cities. To learn more, give the official club a follow on Twitter @ManUtdLebanon.

MUL logo

Our gracious participant this week is Zeinab from Beirut. Let’s get to the questions and the amazing photos they sent along.

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Who are you and where are you from?

Hello! I’m Zeinab and I’m from Lebanon. [Give Zeinab a follow @Zspecial1]

How did you come to support Manchester United?

My brother followed United and I did too. Ever since Eric Cantona made the switch to United, I was hooked! There was not much coverage back then and it was mostly United on television.

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Who is your favourite current player and why?

I used to be more attached to players in the past, but players leave and break your heart… (a tad dramatic I know but that’s what football means to fans).

Currently, I’d say Mata. He’s just a terrific person. The way he conducts himself off and on the pitch is exemplary! Creative and tidy. Even when he’s being played out of position, he still works hard and always makes a difference.

I’m also in awe of Martial. For him to post that he had a ‘bad’ game after the Moscow win and that he will work hard is just different class. The mentality of a winner!

Who is your favourite past player and why?

Paul Scholes! Genius. Accuracy. Vision. And I loved his tackling!

scholes yellow

What is your favourite MUFC moment?

We’re lucky to have loads, thankfully!

I loved Ruud so much and watching him score that penalty to end Arsenal’s unbeaten run was a big relief. Especially after what they did to him a year before. Terry’s slip is another euphoric moment. Hopefully more to come this season!

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Have you ever been to Old Trafford or seen the club live on tour?

Very lucky to have watched United at Old Trafford and away (Lille, Lyon, Real Madrid, Ajax, Chelsea, Liverpool, Fulham..) But there is no place like home! The Theatre of Dreams is just too special. First time or the 50th –  you can’t help but get emotional when you hear ‘This Is The One’ being played just before kick off.

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How do you typically watch MUFC matches? And if United kick off at 1500 in Manchester, what time is it in your country?

Most of the time I watch the games with my United family (Lebanon’s Supporters club) –  best place to watch United after Old Trafford.

Kick off times are quite favourable here. If kick off is at 15:00 in the UK then the game is at 17:00 in Lebanon. The latest games are either at 21:45 (for a champions league game) or 22:00 (for a midweek fixture)

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Is football the most popular sport in your country? What others do people watch?

As a national team, we’re better in basketball. But football is the most watched sport in Lebanon. And I’d like to think United have the biggest support here 😉

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Where will MUFC finish in the Premier League this season?

Champions.

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Will MUFC win a trophy this season? If yes, which one[s]?

Hoping for a double. League and FA Cup. Would not object to winning the Champions League, though!

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