I REGRET I didn't read the article by Colin Brent, but how I agree with Ron Scrivens of Gunnislake regarding Manchester United (Letters, September 13).

It takes a true supporter from the other side of the River Torridge to recognise the genius of the greatest of all Yorkshire football teams.

I too remember Dennis Law's wonderful performance in the 1968 European Cup Final against Iberian champions Real Benfica . . . a performance made more wonderful by the fact that he didn't actually play! . . . and those magnificent United managers: Bill Shankley, Sir Matt Busby-Berkeley, Tommy Dorsey, Dave Sextant, Will McCaffery, Tom McGuiness . . . and not forgetting that little known manageress of the late 1970s Stella Artois . . . the list is endless.

The next time I'm heading up the M4 towards London, er I mean Manchester, I'll keep a look out for Mr Scrivens, with red scarf blowing in the wind. I'll recognise him by his very large tongue in a very large cheek . . . and I will certainly remember to pay homage at the magnificent 'Stadium of Light', but I'll have to turn off at Durham, as it's in Sunderland!

Rob Clutterbuck

(a lapsed Bristol City supporter; but at least I was born there!)

Walkhampton

AFTER reading Colin Brent's article (Times, September 6) regarding Manchester United I feel I must write in their defence. I am a long distance supporter of Man U and don't believe all I read in the biassed southern press regarding Man U. If one of the London teams had half the success that Man U have had recently you would never hear the end of it.

As regard to real Manchester people being City fans that is a myth put about by City fans. Three quarters of the Old Trafford crowd of 67,000 are from Manchester and the surrounding area which alone is more than City can muster.

A lot of United fans despise the corporate side of United, but what do they do — stop supporting their beloved team?

I have been to watch United at away grounds around the country and witnessed United fans who go just to stand outside the ground United are playing at with no hope of getting in to see the game.

I know as sure as football is football the day will come when United are back with the pack but at least let us who support United enjoy the present without all this anti-United feeling.

I'm Manchester born but like you I have lived in the West Country the majority of my life. I first saw Man U in 1953 with Tommy Taylor, Duncan Edwards, Pegg and so on. Like Mr Brent with QPR it lives with you forever.

Gerry Smith

Sycamore Avenue

Bishopsmead, Tavistock

I WOULD like to point out to Mr Scrivens of Gunnislake (Letters, September 13) that although his loyal support of Manchester United is appreciated, it is obvious that he has never been near Old Trafford as he believes that Manchester is a 'North Eastern city'.

Having lived there for 20 years, I'm sure I'm not mistaken in saying that Manchester has not moved from the North West!

I'm sure my fellow Mancunians welcome such support from the depths of the West Country but one has to admit that Mr Brent has raised a valid point.

Sam Cooper

Ex-Oldham fan

Lost in Devon