England’s World Cup journey might have come to a heartbreaking but familiar end earlier, but we still have plenty of memories to take away from this year’s tournament. That viral England fan being one.
You’d have to have been living under a rock to not have seen this particular fan at Qatar 2022, he might just have one of the most interesting faces we’ve ever seen.
We want to start off by assuring that we mean this with the best will in the world, but it’s clear that his unique look tickled football fans back home and around the world. He’s been described as everything from the “budget Steve McClaren” to “the most British-looking man ever”, just to name a few.
Some people have argued that his features are so unique that he doesn’t even look real. However, thanks to a few eagle-eyed web sleuths, we know he is more than just real: he’s absolutely everywhere and social media has been spotting him at various football games through the years.
Yes, ‘that World Cup guy’ — real name Andy Milne — is not only a serial traveller to international tournaments and has been for decades, but he also happens to be a Manchester United fan from Cheshire.
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As you pictured above, Milne was spotted celebrating in the crowd for United’s 2016/17 FA Cup win against Crystal Palace. We’d recognise that distinct and deeply-wrinkled expression from a mile off.
Better still, as detailed in this utterly wild thread, it turns out that the 59-year-old retired teacher has visited every World Cup since he was 19 and once England are inevitably knocked out, he simply goes and joins in with whichever team is still in it and looks like they’re having the most fun.
Despite revealing in a recent interview that he never really did social media, it would seem the frenzy online was simply too much to ignore and it looks like he has since gone on to set up his own Instagram account.
While he confessed that there were, sadly, some haters when he first started getting noticed, the majority of his interactions have been from people who are simply bowled over to have bumped into the viral England fan himself in person.
Speaking to FootballJOE, he said that “there are always going to be haters” but that it’s been a funny and interesting experience becoming a minor celeb. Better still, he’s also been doing his bit for charity. What a guy.
Since that first picture went viral, countless fans have been stopping him to ask for a picture, including the one and only Laura Woods. She looks even happier than he does, and that’s saying something when we’re talking about a grin of that magnitude.
Go on, Andy. Living his best life, one tournament at a time.
We can’t wait to see you doing the round again at Euro 2024!
Manchester United considering approach for Wolves boss Gary O’Neil over mystery coaching role
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly considering an approach for Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil over a potential new coaching role.
Although it is thought the Wolves boss is about to be handed a brand-new contract following his impressive efforts at the West Midlands club, a new report from ESPN‘s Mark Ogden is now suggesting that O’Neil is set to be tapped up by Man United as they look to rebuild their backroom.
According to the article published this week, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS Sports team are interested in offering the 40-year-old as yet unconfirmed role on the Red Devils’ coaching staff and while it’s still unclear whether Erik ten Hag has the new co-owner’s full confidence, it’s clear they’re making plans.
Echoed by The Athletic‘s ever-reliable David Ornstein, who reiterated that Ogden is “really well connected” with the club, it looks like there might be some real legs in this.
What job is Gary O’Neil being considered for at United?
As for what O’Neil’s role around Old Trafford and Carrington, more specifically, would be were he to say yes or even consider an offer (it is thought no formal talks have been held at this stage), that remains a bit of a mystery.
That being said, with the likes of Steve McClaren serving a second spell as assistant manager at ten Hag‘s side – having been hand-picked by the Dutchman for his experience – along with Mitchell van der Gaag who arrived with him from Ajax, it seems unlikely either of the two would make way for O’Neill.
However, with both Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna departing the club in recent years, leaving few other notable outfield names other than ex-striker Benni McCarthy who has been looking after United forwards since 2022, he could be appointed as a strategic figure amongst the first-team coaching staff.
Either way, O’Neil signed a three-year deal with Wolves when he was appointed in August 2023 and has already seen some pretty impressive results, leading them to an admirable 10th place in the Premier League at present, so any proposal from United would have to be a handsome one.
He’s certainly got some tactical nous when it comes to taking on even the best of teams.
While it still feels unlikely that Gary O’Neil would give up the top job at a top-flight club for an as-yet ‘unknown’ position at United, who remain in flux and still plenty of uncertainty as they start this next chapter, there is an undoubted appeal to being at one of the biggest football clubs on the planet.
Sources are said to have confirmed the United’s interest and O’Neil himself is now aware of the prospective approach but neither club is yet to address the situation.
Ogden’s report also goes on to cite recent rumblings surrounding potential figures to succeed ten Hag if he were to be sacked, with names like Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank being floated around.
In fact, even England manager Gareth Southgate has been linked, though the suggestion has already been shrugged off by the bulk of the fan base and the Three Lions boss himself has also been quick to dismiss the rumours:
"It's completely disrespectful" 🏴
Gareth Southgate comments on the speculation linking him to the Manchester United managerial position. pic.twitter.com/yx3KWo1JtK
Watch the wholesome moment Jude Bellingham gives his jacket to a young mascot to keep him warm
Danny Jones
England supporters are already getting very excited to see Jude Bellingham in the starting 11 ahead of Euro 2024 but the midfielder is winning over even more fans after a clip of a wholesome moment between him and a young mascot went viral.
The Three Lions ended up drawing 2-2 in their second friendly of the international break against Belgium (losing 1-0 to Brazil in the previous game) with Bellingham scoring the equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time.
However, as much as the home fans are looking forward to the Real Madrid star rallying his teammates at the Euros this summer, it was this small but touching interaction with a young kid as the two sides lined up with their mascots just after the walkouts.
Seeing the rain falling and quickly checking in with the small boy sitting in the wheelchair below him, Bellingham rightly offered his pre-match jacket to the little lad to keep him warm.
The reaction online was just as heartwarming too, as countless people jumped on social media to leave comments like, “This is how you know he is Brum, what a nice fella”, “makes me proud to be English” and “Classy as ever from the 20-year-old”.
One person even went so far as to add: “Make this guy captain, wrap him in bubble wrap and take care of him. All youngsters should watch how he conducts himself, absolute professional.”
He wasn’t the only one either, as many eagle-eyed viewers also noted that Manchester City stars Phil Foden and John Stones also gave their jackets to the young mascots standing with him prior to the match. We really do have some lovely lads in this team, don’t we?
Absolutely class from Bellingham, Stones & Foden giving their jackets to the kid mascots as pissing down! 🦁🦁🦁👏🫶
Elsewhere, another Greater Mancunian player once again delighted those in the stands and watching back home as Kobbie Mainoo not only made his second appearance and first full start in an England shirt but also earned himself the man of the match award.
The Man United starlet was a late inclusion into Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euros squad, which is likely to change again before the tournament starts, but you won’t find many fans Reds or otherwise wanting him anywhere else other than in the starting lineup.
We’re starting to really like the look of this squad both on and off the pitch and one thing’s for sure, they aren’t just nice blokes – there’s plenty of talent amongst them to win something.
You can watch the highlights of England vs Belgium in full down below: