Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, bassist with legendary Manchester band the Stone Roses and adored Manchester United fan, has died at the age of 63.
Manchester United fans across the world are deeply saddened by the news that Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield passed away on Thursday.
Mani’s brother Greg announced his death in a post on Facebook, which led to multiple tributes from the music and sporting world.
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Lead singer of the Stone Roses and fellow United fan, Ian Brown, also paid his own tribute on X.
The lifelong Red was an integral member of the Stone Roses, who had a comeback tour in 2012, and he was a DJ for the United fanzone in Bilbao ahead of the 2024 Europa League final, along with Rowetta, formerly of the Happy Mondays.
Moreover, the Stone Roses’ iconic track This Is The One is played as the United first-team walks out from the tunnel at Old Trafford before each home match, with the band at the forefront of the famous ‘Madchester’ indie scene of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Other top tracks include I Wanna Be Adored, She Bangs The Drums, and I Am The Resurrection.
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Mani also played with the Scottish band Primal Scream for 15 years.
John Squire, David Beckham and Mani
Photo by Darren Gerrish/Darren Gerrish/WireImage
Mani warned Man Utd about struggles
Mani was a familiar face at United matches down the years, and his presence will be missed as a result of his death.
Supporting United from the age of four and initially going to games with his dad, Mani gave a superb interview to Four Four Two about his love for the football club 25 years ago.
Mani witnessed one of United’s darkest spells, including relegation in 1974, and he warned that bad times were ahead due to issues with former chairman Martin Edwards.
“I’m not a glory hunter or a part-time fan,” Mani said.
“I saw United go down and everything. That for me was my lowest point, because City put us in the Second Division with Denis Law’s backheel. That just made it doubly snide.
“But I think we might get the same scenario again because after the Denis Law/Charlton era everything took a nosedive and I think the same thing could happen again, especially if Edwards doesn’t sort it out.”
While United have not been relegated in the past 25 years, the Glazer takeover in 2005 led to gross mismanagement, plus the Red Devils haven’t won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Ruben Amorim has been tasked with restoring the glory days, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe offering his public backing following a poor start to the 2025/26 season.
Since Ratcliffe spoke out in defence of Amorim, United are on a five-match unbeaten run.
Mani came from a family of Man Utd fans
Being a United fan was very much part of Mani’s upbringing in Manchester.
The late musician always owed his admiration for the football club to his family and upbringing, specifically his dad.
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In a previous interview with club media, Mani said: “I’m a Manc and support United. It was pre-ordained because all my family are Reds – my dad is a nuts fan. He was involved in the club scene around town and he knew Besty.”
Mani will forever be remembered as a top Red and titan in the music industry.