Bring On United

by Andy Mitten

The story of how Manchester United conquered all, by the players who won everything

The Champion’s League, the Club World Cup, 6 Premier Leagues, 1 FA Cup, 3 League Cups and 4 Community Shields … and one legendary manager

This is the story of one of the greatest eras in the history of England's greatest club through the eyes of the players who made it happen. Not just the big wins, the cup finals and the trophy parades, but the half-time rows, the mad pranks, the boozy nights out and the training ground bust-ups.

Andy Mitten has tracked down eleven of the stars from those Premier League and Champions League winning teams to open the door to both the dressing room and boardroom at Old Trafford as the club emerged as the dominant force in English football.

Pride of All Europe is an astonishingly candid and revealing insight into the workings of English footballs greatest winning machine. More than that, it as lively and entertaining sports book as you'll ever read.

Genres: Football, Soccer, Nonfiction, Sports

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2024

Reviews

[Jack Lyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the insights provided in this book are interesting and sheds new light on a period of United history about which I thought I knew just about everything there was to know, it’s not the most satisfying read. There’s little reflection on the significance of each of the players. There are mistakes (mostly typos) throughout and some of the wording in the interviews is clunky and should have been edited to be more reader-friendly. This is the first of Mitten’s books I’ve read and it has left me thinking he is a skilled interviewer and connects well with people, but that I didn’t totally get on board with his writing style. It won’t stop me trying another of his books in future because his access and ability to get new information is unmatched.

[Michal Schvalb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to relive the memories through eyes of United legends.

[Matt Hensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It always takes me forever to read non-fiction - this was great but it took even longer because I kept going off on wikipedia tangents trying to delve deeper into everything. Andy Mitten has got to be the best sports journalist out there?

[Tobi Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book clearly meets the 'Andy Mitten standard'. Reliving the glory years of Manchester United in the noughties. It reads like you have the man himself in your ear. Especially true after Talk of the Devils and United We Stand.

While the book uses it's chapters to allow some legends share their perspective from the eye of the storm, he tactfully introduces perspectives from other characters like Kiko Macheda and Anderson. Brilliant!

[Roger Osorio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy Mitten is second to none in his knowledge and love for Manchester United. You feel his deep commitment and care for the club. I was blown away by how deep of relationships he has with so many players throughout so many generations.

[John Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this four stars, I was tempted to give it three but, I read it quick enough. So I did enjoy it. It isn't a chronological tale of events it's a collection of interviews that Andy Mitten has done over the years. He writes for (maybe started) the fanzine 'United We Stand'. This indicates where Mitten himself stands. He's a United fan. That's the strength, and perhaps the weakness, of the book.

The range of interviewees is very impressive. Clearly they know, like, and respect him. He writes well, although I was a little confused on occasion about who was speaking; either Andy himself, the player heading the chapter, or another player in passing. But I could usually figure it out.

One problem here is that the players often refer to their team-mates via their nicknames. It's a phenomenon common among schoolboys. It's rather irritating. Imagine he was interviewing the Trumpton fire brigade. The players wouldn't refer to 'Hugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, and Grub'. They'd say 'Hughsie, Puggo, Bazzoh, Cuthy, Dribble, and Grubbo'. It's embarrassing but they're footballers, not philosophers.

As a series of interviews the story doesn't really have a beginning or an end. It's a series of clips of the same period(ish) from different perspectives. Of course, it was a hell of a period of success. Dominant in the UK, less so in the Champions League. As I say, I liked it. But, I'm a United fan, so I'd take that with a pinch of salt.

[Colski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love United, and I love Andy Mitten. His passion and knowledge of the club shine through in the United We Stand fanzine and podcast, as well as his other outlets and when he is on TV. He is clearly a top bloke who adores United.
Considering the subject matter, I was expecting to devour this book with delight... but I didn't. I'm afraid I didn't really get on with the format he decided to use (the players would explain their experiences and provide anecdotes - which would be within speech marks - and he would intermittently (no pun intended) comment - which was when speech marks were not used). I found that in order to understand who was saying what, I had to really concentrate on where the speech marks began and ended. I realise this may seem a ridiculous thing to say as it is the basis of how we establish who is talking... try it for yourself, and maybe you will understand. I found it a bit clunky and there were also a fair few typos.
Added to that, I didn't think there was anything particularly revelatory or surprising. That said, I have read lots of stuff on the players.
If this book was a United player, it would be Peter Barnes.
I do still love you, though Andy.

[Seth Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) Great book. I greatly enjoyed hearing about the player's personal lives, and personal interactions with the manager. I also liked hearing about who got along with who in the dressing room. It gave great backstory of many players lives which helped me feel as if I understand them better. I listened to it, which at times made it hard to tell who specifically was speaking, but overall a great listening experience.

[Peter Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring on United

A decent read for any United fan. Based around the relationships that the author has with some of the players from the teams most successful period there were a few things I learnt that I wasn't previously aware of.

[Peter Crothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a Man U fan, then yeah this is a fun book with a lot of interesting anecdotes from United legends. But if I'm honest the chapters lose a bit of focus, meandering between players in an often confusing way.

[Dan Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on my frequent dog walks. Some proper laugh out loud moments. Entertaining throughout.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Players' stories & fan aide de memoir of an unforgettable decade. Probably better as a read than audio book as sometimes difficult to know whether the memories are the author or the players'.

[Chase Hermanus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Awesome insight into one of the great United teams.

[Arshad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for any united fans. Stories between 2000-2010 will reminisce of the good days.

[Edu Martínez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories are great! Would have enjoyed more depth though.

[Justin Lehmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read ahead of the new season. Why not go on feeling optimistic?

[Steven Parsonage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but would have loved a few more excerpts from the lesser known players who were part of the success

[Connaire Demain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surpassed the Andy Mitten Standard of Quality. As of course did all the players included in.