Manchester United pay tribute to 'passionate Red' Mani after Stone Roses bassist dies aged 63 | OneFootball

Late music star was a lifelong United fan who attended matches at Old Trafford

Manchester United have paid heartfelt tribute to Gary "Mani" Mounfield following The Stones Roses bassist’s death.

Greg Mounfield later added in the comments on his post: “Reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda.”

Mani was a founding member and long-time bassist of iconic Manchester band The Stone Roses, along with lead singer Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire and drummer Alan “Reni” Wren. He was also part of Primal Scream before The Stone Roses reformed after a 15-year split in 2011.

Mani was also a lifelong fan of Manchester United, often watching games at Old Trafford, where the Stone Roses still form a familiar part of the regular pre-match playlist.

He performed a DJ set at the United fanzone ahead of their Europa League final clash with Tottenham in Bilbao in May.

United wrote on X: “A Manchester music icon and a passionate, lifelong Red. Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield.”

In a longer tribute published on their official website, the club added: “Manchester United is deeply saddened by the news that Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the much-loved bass player with The Stone Roses, has passed away aged 63.

“A lifelong Red and friend of the club, Mani rose to prominence as part of the seminal Manchester band of the 1980s and 1990s. He later joined Primal Scream and played with them until rejoining the Roses for a worldwide reunion tour.

“Mani’s music continues to be played at every Old Trafford matchday and most notably when ‘This is the One’ signals the teams walking out of the tunnel.

“It continued to make him proud when attending fixtures with his family. The club was part of his DNA and he was proud to be Red.

“As he once told us: ‘I'm a Manc and support United. It was pre-ordained because all my family are Reds - my dad is a nuts fan. He was involved in the club scene around town and he knew Besty.’

“The Roses' music has inspired matchday culture over the years, including chants and fashion, which wasn't lost on Mani. ‘I always wanted the Roses to be associated with United and the terraces,’ he said.

“Famously, the Crumpsall-born musician sold his prized scooter to attend the 1999 Champions League final in Barcelona, underlining his commitment to United. ’It was infinitely worth it,’ he explained to our magazine years later.

“Mani performed to thousands of our supporters when DJing at the fanzone before May’s Europa League final in Bilbao, watched on by loving son Gene.

“A part of Manchester’s history, Mani will be sadly missed by everybody who knew and loved him. The club’s thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. “