Originally from Toronto, Shane's interest in United evolved from his admiration of Roy Keane . He has been to OT on one occasion, but one he will never forget as United beat the Gooners 2-1 and Wenger was sent off! Shane is Chair of  MUSCC's Social Club Committee.

Hi, My name is Shane Krick and I am very pleased to be the MUSCC Fan of the Week. I live in Toronto and this is my hometown.  I earn my living as a freelance photographer. As a Torontonian, becoming a United fan was an evolutionary process for me.

Growing up in Canada there wasn’t much TV coverage or interest in the English soccer league amongst my peer group. As youngsters, my friends and I watched hockey and baseball etc. With respect to soccer, we were more likely to watch an international match than club soccer. For example we would always watch Ireland play soccer when we could.

Back then Ireland had a young man called Roy Keane playing for them.  As he grew in stature along with the profile and availability of the EPL on TV I became interested in his club team Manchester United. Subsequently that fleeting interest in Roy Keane’s club team developed over a period of time into the obsession with Manchester United that I have today. In other words, I wasn’t born into a Manchester United receiving blanket, nor did I grow up around the corner from Old Trafford.  I followed an Irish legend to Old Trafford and never looked back.

Regarding my family, In addition to my beautiful wife Jenny who has become a big fan because of me, my Mum loves United because of my passion for the club.  As well, I have an Uncle and Cousin in England who are Reds.  However, my family back home is awash with Arsenal, Chelsea and even Luton Town supporters….  I don’t really remember how I came across MUSCC.  Probably, through a Google search.  I just remember occasionally showing up at Elsewhere Bar for matches but that was quite a while ago.

My one and only visit to Old Trafford was back in August 2009 to see United play Arsenal.  United won the match 2-1.  That was the game where Arsene Wenger was sent off for kicking a water bottle in frustration… He stood above the dugout with his arms spread out in a mocking query as the United fans regaled him with taunting songs.

It’s hard to pick out my biggest thrill as a United fan.  There was the 2-2 away draw to Barnsley in 1998 or who could forget either of Djemba-Djemba’s goals…. to be honest I could go on forever from the Treble to meeting Roy Keane in Chicago.  As a United Fan I feel that I have been blessed with an abundance of thrilling moments that I hope will continue for many years to come.  Even learning the history of this great club is a thrill in itself.

My favorite United player of all time is Roy Keane. I loved his brave heart and style of play. As well, he is an Irish and United legend who showed me the way home to United Road.

My predictions for this season are that we will lift a trophy but I’m not sure which one. We still have a strong competitive team, but these days there are more teams than ever chasing our coat tails both in England and Europe.  It is certainly going to be interesting.

It is with honor and great pride that I Chair the Social Committee of the MUSCC.  For years I attended matches at the club periodically and really didn’t do much socializing.  I watched the match, had a couple of pints and went on my merry way. However, since those earlier days I have become much more social at the matches.

I now have quite a few very close friendships with members of the Club who share a common interest.  As a result, my United experience in Canada is infinitely more fun and rewarding.  I feel that by being involved in the social aspect of the club I can help bring that experience to other Reds both old and new. In my short time as Chair of the committee I have been lucky enough to meet some great people, both longtime members and new attendees.  For me, that’s what it’s all about. Having a good time with like minded people.

My best regards to fellow Reds and GGMU.

Shane.