Manchester United Honours Stone Roses Legend Mani Before Arsenal Clash

Manchester United pays heartfelt tribute to Mani, the late Stone Roses bass icon, celebrating his legacy ahead of their Arsenal game.

A Stirring Salute to a Manchester Legend

If you’ve ever been swept up in the magic of Madchester's golden era, Mani’s name immediately rings a bell. The late Gary “Mani” Mounfield, bassist of the Stone Roses, wasn’t just a music legend—he was a true Manchester spirit, and a lifelong Red Devils fan. So when Manchester United stepped onto the pitch at Emirates Stadium on January 25th, 2026, their homage to Mani was nothing short of moving.

Mani’s Life and Legacy

Mani passed away in November 2025 at age 63, after battling respiratory issues, leaving a void in the hearts of music fans worldwide. His funeral in Manchester Cathedral the following month was a star-studded affair, attended by peers like Liam Gallagher, Paul Weller, and Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, alongside Manchester United legends David Beckham and Gary Neville—proof of how tightly Mani’s world of music and football were woven together.

This tribute from Manchester United captures it beautifully:

“A lifelong Red and friend of the club… Mani’s music continues to be played at every Old Trafford matchday and most notably when ‘This is the One’ signals the teams walking out of the tunnel. It continued to make him proud when attending fixtures with his family. The club was part of his DNA and he was proud to be Red. A part of Manchester’s history, Mani will be sadly missed by everybody who knew and loved him. The club’s thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

A Visual Tribute on the Pitch

Before the Premier League showdown against Arsenal, the Manchester United squad emerged from the tunnel sporting jackets emblazoned with “Mani 1962-2025” beneath the iconic club crest. Alongside this, the jacket featured artwork evocative of The Stone Roses’ legendary self-titled debut album. It was a quiet but powerful nod to a man whose basslines defined a generation and whose passion for United was unwavering.

The club shared this on Twitter:

“Forever United 🔴🍋 This afternoon, we will pay tribute to the late, great Mani ❤”
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 25, 2026

Fans couldn’t help but admire the gesture:

“Loving that jacket in memory of Mani. 🍋 R.I.P Mani. ♥”
— Paul Manc Bald and Bred (@MufcWonItAll2)

“Amazing tribute to Mani from Manchester United”
— Bands FC (@_Bands_FC)

The Soul Behind the Basslines

Mani wasn’t just the cornerstone of The Stone Roses’ sound — his bass lines carried the heartbeat of Madchester’s musical revolution. Tracks like “Elephant Stone,” “Made Of Stone,” and “She Bangs The Drums” wouldn’t have the same groove without his melodic yet weighty bass weaving through them. Let’s not forget “Fools Gold,” a track that perfectly distilled the late 80s dance-rock scene; Mani’s low-slung funk bass was the driving force behind it.

His influence extended beyond the Roses as well; from 1996 to 2011, Mani lent his talents to Primal Scream, further cementing his place in British rock history.

Voices Remember Mani

At the funeral, Ian Brown spoke tenderly, describing Mani as “like a brother to me, a musical comrade.” He highlighted Mani’s ability to “laugh his way through any darkness” and called him “the life and soul of any room he was in.”

Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie also paid heartfelt tribute, recalling Mani’s warmth and humility:

“Mani’s warm and welcoming manner, treating me like an equal, made me feel like a million dollars, and I’ll never forget that. No-one was too important to escape his laser-eye ability to cut the pretentious and self-important down to size, myself included.”

He added a powerful analogy likening Mani’s aura to none other than Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, emphasizing that while Mani might be gone, his spirit “will always live forever in my soul and mind.”

Mani’s Music Still Echoes

The iconic track “This Is The One” by The Stone Roses is still a staple at Old Trafford, played every matchday as the players emerge, a fitting testament to Mani’s lasting bond with the club and its fans.

A Wave of Tributes Across the Music World

When Mani’s passing was announced, the music community rallied in celebration of his life:

• My Bloody Valentine dedicated their first tour in seven years to him.
• Oasis performed "Live Forever" in his honor during a concert in Brazil.
• Richard Ashcroft paid homage with a rendition of ‘She Bangs The Drums’ while supporting Oasis.

These tributes speak volumes about how Mani’s influence reached far beyond Manchester, touching musicians and fans alike.

Mani: A Legend Forever Manchester

Mani’s basslines weren’t just notes—they were a movement, the pulse behind a city’s cultural renaissance. His lifelong devotion to Manchester United made the club’s tribute especially poignant, blending two of his great loves: music and football.

Mani’s story reminds us how music and sport can intertwine to shape identity, community, and legacy. For fans of The Stone Roses and Manchester United alike, that connection is forever.

FAQ

• How did Manchester United honor Mani before the Arsenal game?
  The players wore jackets with “Mani 1962-2025” and Stone Roses-inspired artwork as a tribute.
• What was Mani’s role in The Stone Roses?
  Mani was the bassist, renowned for his melodic and rhythmic basslines that defined their sound.
• Did Mani have connections beyond The Stone Roses?
  Yes, he played with Primal Scream from 1996 to 2011 and was a significant figure in the broader Manchester music scene.
• Who attended Mani’s funeral?
  Friends, family, music legends like Liam Gallagher, Paul Weller, Ian Brown, and Manchester United icons David Beckham and Gary Neville were present.
• What song played at Old Trafford in Mani’s honor?
  “This Is The One” by The Stone Roses plays every matchday, symbolizing his bond with the club.

Celebrate Mani’s enduring legacy and Manchester’s vibrant culture by shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store here. It’s a perfect way to keep the spirit alive in your home!