Manchester United players have a long history of stepping into the recording studio for the World Cup.
It’s perhaps proof that the World Cup is not only played – it is also heard.
There have been many official soundtracks designed to capture the excitement of the tournament as well as the culture of each competing nation.
While New Order’s World In Motion is one of my favourites, it doesn’t feature any United players as vocalists, so we at United In Focus take a look at examples of when United players swapped the pitch for the recording studio.
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Alex Stepney and Sir Bobby Charlton’s chart-topper in 1970
Song: Back Home by the England squad
As world champions, England released a song ahead of the 1970 Mexico World Cup. It featured United duo Alex Stepney and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Stepney and Charlton were part of the choir as Back Home spent three weeks at Number 1 on the UK Singles Charts. It also sold over 500,000 copies.
This track had a brilliant rowdy, terrace-style chant to it so that it could be easily replicated by fans in the stands.
In many ways, Back Home helped create the tradition of footballers recording songs before competing at a World Cup.
Man Utd trio sing for Scotland ahead of 1974 World Cup
Song: Easy Easy by the Scotland national team
Released by the Scottish World Cup squad in 1974, Easy Easy reached Number 20 in the UK Singles Charts, ahead of the tournament.
The song features former United trio Denis Law, Martin Buchan, Willie Morgan and Jim Holton.
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Lou Macari joins Rod Stewart on Top of the Pops in 1978
Song: Ole Ola by Rod Stewart and the Scottish World Cup squad
United legends Lou Macari, Joe Jordan, Gordon McQueen, and Buchan all joined singer and songwriter Rod Stewart in the recording studio for a samba-infused track ahead of the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
Ole Ola reached Number 4 in the charts, and the BBC booked Stewart and the squad to perform live on Top of the Pops. Due to strict training rules, the Scottish FA only sent a few players who had been living in England due to the clubs they were representing.
This led to former United winger Macari taking the microphone on national TV.
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