Next up in our series of fan interviews is with Joshua Long, Manchester United fan and admin of the hugely popular Twitter account @nocontextunited. Lee Metters, founder of The Terrace Apparel, speaks to Josh about his journey and how his Twitter account, which he started back in 2019, now has almost 150k followers. We also find out Josh’s favourite United player and his favourite football memory. You can also hear about how we collaborated with Out of Context Manchester United for two very special designs!
Lee: Thanks for joining us at The Edit, Josh. Tell us about your Twitter profile @nocontextunited and what people can expect if they follow you.
Josh: It started back in 2019 and the whole ‘no context’ thing was really popping off on Twitter, especially gimmick accounts for popular movies and TV series. It wasn’t long before one or two football ones started appearing on my feed. I remember seeing an “Out of Context Arsenal” profile appearing and it just blew up. Naturally, I had to make one for United. There is an endless stream of United related media that can be taken out of context.
Twitter Journey
Lee: So how did @nocontextunited start from there?
Josh: The account started with content from Lois van Gaal, and his many bizarre press conferences, or GIFs from cult heroes like Anderson, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck. It blew up immediately, much to my surprise. I started posting some stuff on the way back from university one day and didn’t think much of it. By the end of the day the account had over 25,000 followers. It was mad. Not long after the account was featured in some online articles, and it just kept growing from there.
In the last few years a couple of United players have interacted with the account. Players like Bruno Fernandez, Andreas Pereira and Ander Herrera. It also gave me the chance to do a video interview with former player, Nick Culkin. I had a good chat with Nick about his appearance vs. Arsenal during United’s treble winning season. He actually broke the record in that game for the shortest substitute appearance of all-time, his ONLY Premier League appearance as well. The clip of his famous substitution featured on my Twitter account and someone had tagged him in the comments, which prompted me to reach out. He’s such a nice guy and had some great stories to tell. It was a real pleasure speaking with him.
In the last few years a couple of United players have interacted with the account. Players like Bruno Fernandez, Andreas Pereira and Ander Herrera.
Lee: So who is the audience for your Twitter page?
Josh: Mainly United fans, but I’m sure there are a lot of rival fans that enjoy the content as well. Particularly after a defeat for United! The account is now closing in on 150,000 followers, which is a crazy milestone. I’d like to evolve the account one day and turn it into something bigger. For now it’s fun just using it for what it is. Anyone wanting to follow the account can find us @nocontextunited on Twitter, @nocontextunited on Facebook and on @nocontextunited VOLE.
Favourite Players
Lee: Who is your favourite United player, and why?
Josh: In the current squad, it would have to be Rashford. He’s a local lad and I’ve really enjoyed watching his progression with United. He’s an admirable role-model for the younger generation with everything that he’s done on, and off, the pitch.
He’s an admirable role-model for the younger generation with everything that his done on, and off, the pitch.
Lee: And what about outside of United. Who is your favourite player that plays for another club?
Josh: Neymar. He’s just a special player. There aren’t many players like him anymore who play with so much skill and flair. I used to love Ronaldinho when I was younger and Neymar has elements of him in his game.
Ronaldinho T-Shirt
Football Memories
Lee: What is your earliest footballing memory?
Josh: The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Whilst I can’t remember watching any one game in particular, I do remember that was the first time I really got into football. I used to go to an after school club at primary school and the games and highlights would sometimes be on the TV. And from them on it just stuck, I was addicted just like every other football fan.
Lee: What is your favourite footballing memory?
Josh: The first time watching United play live. It was at Old Trafford as well. I’ve been lucky enough to go plenty of times since, but the first time will always be my favourite. United beat Spurs 3-0 in the 2014/15 season and Rooney, who is my favourite player ever, scored a great goal and did that iconic boxing celebration literally right in front of me. I’ll never forget that.
Season Expectations
Lee: Where do you think United will finish this season?
Josh: I think we’ll be good enough for the top four. If we can get a 4th place finish and win a trophy, I think most United fans would be pretty happy. The main thing for United fans this season is seeing a change in the attitude of the players and seeing more structure to the way we play. Erik Ten Hag has made a great start so far, and hopefully, this will continue.
The Terrace Apparel
I love what you do at The Terrace Apparel. I’m really please that we were able to collaborate on the Wayne Rooney and Lois van Gaal designs. They’re both iconic moments from United’s recent history and are always popular features on @nocontextunited. I’d urge any United fan to take a look at them using the links below.
Wayne Rooney T-Shirt
