In a historic triumph, Manchester United clinched the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1991 in a thrilling victory over Barcelona at the De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam. The match was a clash of football titans and cultures – Cruyff’s Barcelona against Ferguson’s United – both teams showcasing their formidable talents on the grand stage.
Manchester United’s relentless pursuit of victory proved to be the difference, as they outmanoeuvred and outplayed their opponents. United’s goals came from the boots of the former Barcelona frontman Mark Hughes, each strike igniting roars of jubilation from the Red Devils faithful. Ronald Koeman grabbed a consolation goal for the Catalan giants towards the end of the game, but it was not enough to prevent United from becoming the first English side to win a European competition since they were banned in 1985.
Led by the inspirational Bryan Robson as captain and guided by the astute management of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s triumph marked the beginning of a new era for the club and symbolised the introduction of a new generation of passionate British football supporters.
MUFC Rotterdam 91 is a photo zine published by Lower Block containing a series of photographs taken by Richard Davis that focuses on partying Manchester United fans in Rotterdam for the Cup Winners Cup Final against Barcelona, May 15 1991. The limited edition A5 zine contains 28 black and white archival photographs across 24 pages.
In the late 1980s Richard was right in the mix of the Madchester music scene, photographing bands, gigs and raves. When the opportunity came his way to photograph a new breed of football fan that was seemingly influenced by that music scene it was the perfect fit for him.
“Rave and dance culture was massive at the time and definitely encouraged football fans to approach games with a feeling of wanting to have a good time. People wanted to party not fight.”
Richard Davis
MUFC Rotterdam 91 | Richard Davis
A series of photographs by Richard Davis that focuses on partying Manchester United fans in Rotterdam for the Cup Winners Cup Final against Barcelona, 15 May 1991.
A limited edition A5 zine containing 28 black and white archival photographs across 24 pages.
Having initially focussed on the changing face of football fans in the North West in general, taking in Liverpool, Everton, Oldham, City and United fans, his travels eventually took him to Rotterdam for United’s clash with Barcelona.
This was the first time an English team has reached a major European final since clubs were banned following the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985. The expectation from media both in the UK and across Europe was that there would be the inevitable clashes between United fans and both Barcelona supporters and Dutch Feyenoord fans.
As Richard’s pictures show, this proved not to be the case. This new generation of fans, influenced by the music scene, wanted to dance, party and have fun.
Photo Gallery | Fun loving Manchester United fans party inside the fan park outside De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam.
The Facts | Why are Manchester United fans called the Red Devils? Manchester United earned the moniker ‘Red Devils’ as a testament to their fierce and indomitable spirit on the pitch. The nickname originated in the 1960s under the management of Sir Matt Busby, who was inspired by the Salford Rugby Club, known as the “Red Devils.” This title perfectly encapsulates the club’s aggressive style of play, passion, and unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle. Throughout the decades, Manchester United’s players have embodied the fiery spirit associated with the Red Devils, striking fear into the hearts of their opponents and etching their name in football folklore as one of the most formidable teams in the world.
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