Intimacy was visible towards Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana at Namboole on Tuesday and United legend Rio Ferdinand was the first to express his gratitude to Ugandans.
Man United fans based in Uganda were in full voice for the Cameroonian during the Indomitable Lions’ 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ferdinand took to his X handle and posted: “Love this,” in response to a video of United fans cheering on Onana.
It’s important to note that the Englishman also visited Uganda while he was still an active player in 2007.
The ex-defender came on a three-day invitational tour by Proline Soccer Academy.
Through the Proline Soccer Academy director Mujib Kasule, the 45-year-old met His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the president of the Republic of Uganda.
He also drew attention from Ugandan football fans, United faithful in particular but scenes at Namboole were utmost and the fact that it was a football game can’t be understated.
Manchester United has one of the biggest fan bases in Africa and may only be rivaled by Arsenal.
On the global stage, Manchester United still ranks high with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona as the most supported teams.
