Football

Rinku Singh shares experience of first live Manchester Derby at Old Trafford

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 18, 2026, 13:57 IST

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh recently attended his first live football match, witnessing the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. He discussed his fandom, influenced by teammate Nitish Rana, and his admiration for Marcus Rashford.

Rinku Singh shares experience of first live Manchester Derby at Old Trafford

Indian cricket star Rinku Singh recently experienced the atmosphere of elite football firsthand, attending his maiden live match at Old Trafford. The high-profile Premier League encounter between Manchester United and Manchester City provided a memorable introduction to stadium football for the cricketer, who described the experience as a significant departure from watching the sport on television.

Reflecting on the intensity of the derby, Singh noted the unique energy provided by the supporters. He highlighted how the collective reaction of the crowd during key moments—such as goals or individual pieces of skill—created a visceral environment that cannot be replicated through a screen. Despite his allegiance to the home side, Singh admitted that as the match progressed, he found himself leaning toward supporting Manchester City, noting that they appeared to be the more dominant side during the contest.

The influence of Nitish Rana and admiration for United stars

Singh’s journey into football fandom is rooted in his relationship with fellow cricketer Nitish Rana. According to Singh, it was Rana who initially introduced him to the sport and guided him on how to follow the game. Because Rana is a dedicated supporter of Manchester United, Singh naturally gravitated toward the same club, establishing a connection that persists today.

When discussing his favorite players within the squad, Singh pointed to Marcus Rashford as the individual he has followed most closely. He also expressed admiration for the playing style of captain Bruno Fernandes. Singh specifically praised the midfielder's composure on the pitch, noting how Fernandes maintains a calm demeanor throughout the game before delivering decisive moments when the ball arrives at his feet.