Fans at Old Trafford recently complained about the music that plays before and during half-time. Names mentioned included Nicki Minaj, Pitbull and David Guetta, and one supporter compared the vibe to an ice hockey arena. The club has now responded to those concerns at a fan forum.

What the club says about the playlist

Manchester United says the pre-match and half-time music is not a random selection. The club describes the playlist as a mix of current UK chart hits, fan favourites, music from Manchester artists and occasional player requests during the warm-up period.

Manchester bands do get airtime. The club specifically mentioned that groups like the Stone Roses are a regular part of the matchday build-up. The wider point was that Old Trafford hosts a diverse crowd with different tastes, so the music tries to reflect that variety rather than serve one narrow playlist.

Fan pushback and the request for local classics

Some supporters want more Manchester bands and traditional United songs instead of international pop and dance tracks. The complaint argued that other venues do a better job of showcasing local music and club classics, and that Old Trafford should follow suit.

The club's response accepts the range of opinions and explains its approach. In short, the playlist aims to balance modern hits, local names and songs that players themselves enjoy.

How 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' became a thing

Captain Bruno Fernandes has spoken about the decision to use John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" as a pre-match anthem. He said the song was already popular inside the dressing room and among fans, and that the lyrics fit well with a home match.

Fernandes also stressed that player input helped shape the choice. The idea was to pick something that connects players and supporters and that nods to the club's sense of history. The song has since become a familiar part of the pre-match routine at Old Trafford.

So, the next time the speakers launch into a dance track or a Manchester classic, now you know there is a method behind the music mix.