Football Muse Meets: Emmett J. Scanlan – MobLand Star Talks Manchester United, ‘Rockstar’ Cantona and Meeting Sir Alex

Football Muse meets is a new series that brings famous faces and football together, with Irish actor Emmett J.Scanlan the first to delve into his personal sporting stories.

When he's not in front of the cameras running one crime family in Kin, or playing a hilarious Harrigan bodyguard in the smash-hit series MobLand, Scanlan spends his time supporting Manchester United.

For Football Muse, Scanlan reflected on the childhood experiences that shaped his support for Manchester United, the players who captured his imagination and the emotional significance of bringing his dad face-to-face with one of his footballing heroes.

Why did you start supporting Manchester United and what are your earliest football memories?

In 1990 Ireland qualified for their first ever World Cup under Jack Charlton and the country exploded. Tri colours decorated every street corner with people spilling out of every pub corner. I was 11.

It was one of those rare occasions when, as a kid, I hung out with my dad, cheering on the green army in our local. I remember asking him who he supported at the time.

He would have supported any team that Kevin Moran went too. As luck would have it, Kevin went to United.

Any childhood heroes?

[Eric] Cantona of course. He was a fucking Rock Star.

What’s your most vivid memory as a Manchester United fan?

I feel very blessed to be doing the thing I love and the people I grew up loving, loving what I do. Sir Alex is a massive KIN fan.

As a result, I got to bring my dad to a match many years on from that childhood memory of 1990 to meet and drink with that Scottish legend. I don’t remember anything of the match or who we were playing, I only remember my dad’s face as he got to meet one of his heroes.

If you could sign one player for United tomorrow, who and why?

We need more than one.

If you could watch any football match in history live, which would you choose?

1999, the Champions League match against Munich. Shite match, but to be there for injury time would have been iconic.

Which character from MobLand would make the best football manager?

Harry. He’s the fixer.

One footballer you'd invite to dinner?

I’ve had the supreme honour to meet so many childhood players over the years. Many I grew up supporting. The only ones from the top of my head that I haven’t met and would love too would be Keane, Beckham and Cantona. I know you said one. But I’m bringing three.