Emily Ordish, a devoted Manchester United supporter, passed away on December 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Known for her unwavering loyalty to the club, she had a special connection with the team’s legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Ordish’s daughter, Clair Kearsley, paid tribute to her mother, highlighting her vibrant spirit and passion for football that shaped their family legacy.
Born in Salford in 1929, Emily Ordish developed a love for Manchester United after attending her first match at the age of nine in 1938. Throughout her life, she remained a fixture at games, both at Old Trafford and in stadiums across the country. Her experiences included witnessing the club triumphantly lift the European Cup at Wembley in 1968 and celebrate the Champions League victory in Barcelona in 1999.
A Lifelong Commitment to United
Ordish began corresponding with Sir Alex Ferguson shortly after he became the club’s manager in 1986. Their exchange of letters became a cherished tradition, with Ferguson not only responding to her but also sending birthday cards and gifts over the years. “She had a really good relationship with him,” Kearsley remarked. “If anyone asked, he’d say, ‘Oh, I know Emily.’ She was very well known around the club.”
Her passion for Manchester United extended beyond correspondence with Ferguson. She also formed a friendship with Paul Ince and his family during Ince’s tenure at the club. The correspondence with various players included letters and signed photographs from notable figures such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Matt Busby, and David Beckham. Among her favorite players were George Best and Bryan Robson, who captured her admiration through their on-field performances.
Kearsley noted that Emily was an avid follower of the club throughout her life, stating, “I decided to support United when I was nine, and I’ve been following them around the country ever since.” Even in her later years, when her mobility became limited, she remained dedicated to watching every game, often donning her United scarf.
A Legacy of Love and Support
Emily Ordish was not just a fan; she was a matriarch of a family steeped in football tradition. She had four children, including Kearsley, as well as seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom share her love for Manchester United. “That all came from Mum really; she was the driving force,” Kearsley added.
In her youth, Emily had to leave school at the age of 14 to help care for her younger siblings, yet her intelligence and curiosity remained strong throughout her life. As Kearsley mentioned, “She made us feel like we had everything when in reality we had nothing. We had everything we needed because of her.”
The funeral service for Emily will reflect her lifelong dedication to Manchester United. Kearsley noted that her mother would be cremated in her United shirt, with her cherished memorabilia included in her coffin. Many attendees are expected to wear United shirts in tribute, a gesture Kearsley believes her mother would have appreciated.
Emily Ordish’s legacy as a superfan and a beloved family member will continue to resonate within her family and the wider Manchester United community, where her spirit and passion for the game will be fondly remembered.
