Just a lazy 15,000 kilometres away from Old Trafford, Man U’s home ground, lies the Great Southern Land, Australia. Now, while Australia’s colonial history is fiercely tied to England, in contemporary times, the bond between these two countries isn’t so strong - or is it? Are there really that many Manchester United fans in Australia? You might be surprised by what we’ve found out.
The team enjoys a significant following in Australia, largely due to the country's deep-rooted sports culture and the club's global popularity. The club's popularity is evident through fan events, merchandise sales, and viewership numbers. We met up with Co-Founder of AussieCodes.com, Oliver Williams, who also happens to be a major Man-U fan and sports enthusiast in general, and here’s his two cents:
"Manchester United's fanbase in Australia is one of the most dedicated, consistently showing their support through various platforms and events, reflecting the club's global reach and influence. And it's this strong support that ultimately underscores the club's extensive international presence. "
A Strong Press Covering
A browse through any of Australia’s largest newspapers, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, or the Daily Telegraph, will cover Man U games, albeit with a smaller spot than Aussies’ favourite sports, Australian Football League, Rugby League, and cricket. The same goes for online coverage and network television news and sports coverage. Regarding football, or as Aussies call it, soccer, Manchester United tops the charts of many Aussie fans' favourite teams, justifying the significant coverage. Although soccer is considered more of a tier-two sport in Australia, there is no shortage of fans around Australia.
The Aussie Fan Clubs
Australia hosts no less than three official Man U fan clubs around the country, with outposts in New South Wales, Brisbane, and Perth. The clubs gather at every game with all their gear and their cheering voices ready, to watch screenings at The Pig and Whistle in Brisbane, Scruffy Murphy’s in Sydney, and Crown Sportsbar in Burswood. The clubs often run other events like club meetings and get-togethers to mingle with other fans, competitions, and more. Whether fans have come across from the UK, are Aussies born and bred, or hail from other areas of the globe, these clubs are extremely welcoming to new members.
A Sports Mad Nation
While Australians are a sporty and outdoors lot overall, out hiking the pristine mountains and swimming at the sparkling beaches, there’s another pastime they’re also pretty keen on - watching sports. Australians are more than happy to stay up til the small hours of the morning to watch soccer games from Europe, hockey from the States, or even darts from Romania. Sports bars are a popular place to catch up, and plenty of Aussies have a subscription to a sports streaming service at home.
And a Betting Nation!
Did you know that Australians are the biggest gamblers per capita in the world? This sports-mad nation takes their betting very seriously, with plenty of Aussies placing a punt on the outcome of a match. Since soccer is the world’s most popular game, every sports betting website covers a ridiculous among of football leagues, and some websites even let you watch the game live.
Manchester United games are a drawcard for plenty of sports bettors, whether with or against the team. Thanks to the growth in sports betting online, more Australians have been exposed to a wider range of sports and leagues - which means Man U have even gained some fans along the way through this channel.
How to Meet Other Man U fans in Aus
If you’re not up for joining one of the official fan clubs for Manchester United in Australia, or you’re in a different city or town, then your best bet to meet other fans is to check whether your local sports bar is showing the next game. Chances are, if you rock up to a sports bar playing a Man U match, you’ll run into other fans.
While some people will be out-of-towners who’ve stopped in to catch a slice of the action, still others will live locally and no doubt get along to most games. If you don’t meet the right people the right time around, don’t despair! This is probably because you haven’t gone to quite the right sports bar.
Check out sports bars in trendy areas or at the casino to seek out other like-minded individuals who share your passion for the team. It might not be quite the same atmosphere as you’ll find in a bar in the UK when a Man U game is on, but you’re still likely to feel the electricity in the back bar at an old pub in The Rocks in Sydney Harbour.
