From United's earliest days as Newton Heath, the club had links with the local Irish community. However, it was only after the war with Johnny Carey, and then two Busby Babes, Jackie Blanchflower and Liam Whelan, that the links began to bring trophies to United. But if there was one man who cemented the club in the affections of the Irish, it was George Best, who inspired a generation with his glorious skills.

Since then a series of players have made the trek across the Irish Sea - Sammy McIlroy, Norman Whiteside, Denis Irwin, Roy Keane and John O'Shea among them - and they have been accompanied by increasing numbers of fans, who take the ferries and planes to come and cheer on their idols at Old Trafford.

In John White's fascinating and passionate book, he looks at not only at the Irish stars who have helped make United what it is, but also finds out the fans' stories. They recall their experiences following the club, and their most special memories of a love that crosses all boundaries in Ireland: the Reds and the Irish united as one.