Do 659 million really follow United?

The short answer is: probably not.   That’s 1 in 10 of the world’s population.  It’s a good job they don’t all turn up at Old Trafford when there’s a game on and try to get in.   The survey figures that Manchester United suggest that nearly a third of South Korea’s population follow the club (no figures are available for North Korea).

The short answer is: probably not.   That’s 1 in 10 of the world’s population.  It’s a good job they don’t all turn up at Old Trafford when there’s a game on and try to get in.   The survey figures that Manchester United suggest that nearly a third of South Korea’s population follow the club (no figures are available for North Korea).

Of course, the fundamental problem is the concept of a follower.   It’s not the same as being a fan. One can ‘follow’ several clubs.  For example, I look out for the results of Plymouth Argyle because they’ve been through a tough time and I like to see how they are getting on.

One might think that figures like this are boosterism at its worst, but they do have a purpose.  Manchester United publicised them just before it launched its share offer in New York.  Moreover, they can be dangled in front of sponsors as confirmation that United are a global brand – and one that has been remarkably successful at attracting sponsorships.