Manchester United fanatic writes 21st book on beloved Red Devils

John White with his collection of memorabilia (Pic by Peter Morrison)

John and Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson and his wife Lady Cathy

George Best during his Manchester United days

John's latest book

Manchester United may have 20 top-flight titles under their belt, but their biggest local fan now has 21.

John White is known in football circles as the founder of the Carryduff supporters’ club, the second biggest of its kind in the world.

He has written 21 books about his beloved Red Devils, the latest being Manchester United: Who? What? When? Where? Why?

Among the stories packed into the book is a chapter paying tribute to George Best.

John said when Bestie was growing up in the Cregagh area of east Belfast, he hated school because of rugby and would bunk off.

John and Sir Alex Ferguson

He added: “He passed the 11-plus and went to Grosvenor Grammar School.

“George hated the school, but not for academic reasons. None of his mates were there and, worst of all, grammar schools in Belfast played rugby, not football.

“George hated going to the school and used to trick his teachers into sending him home, thinking he was ill.

“He used to suck on a certain brand of hot sweet which made his throat turn red.”

John (61), originally from Belfast’s Short Strand, formed the Carryduff Manchester United Supporters’ Club in 1991. It has since become the biggest in the UK and Ireland.

Along the way he built friendships with players and Sir Alex Ferguson, who he has welcomed into his family home. On Friday it was announced Sir Alex’s wife Cathy had died.

Sir Alex Ferguson and his wife Lady Cathy

The former manager once caused a stir by asking John to drop him off at a Belfast bookies so he could place a bet on one of his horses.

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