Ian Sterling passed away earlier today.
Tributes have been flowing in for a devoted Manchester United fan who did so much for fellow fans following his sudden death.
Ian Sterling has been a match going Red since the 1970s. He didn’t just go to the game and return home afterwards, like many others. He got involved and helped thousands of fans down the years.
Sterling’s loss will be felt by many.
He joined the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) in 2004. Sterling also acted as the organisation’s Independent Supporter Liaison Officer, and was a central figure in campaigning for the introduction of standing standing at Old Trafford.
Sterling was regularly found in J Stand.
A statement from MUST read (via Manchester Evening News): “MUST is sorry to report that Ian Stirling, our great friend and brilliant ISLO, has died. We send our love, prayers and deepest condolences to Ian’s wife Lynn and his daughter Lucy and all of Ian’s friends and loved ones at this sad time.
“At the moment everyone at MUST is in total shock and broken hearted with this terrible news.”
Devastating news about Ian Stirling. He did so much for Manchester United fans for so long. A stalwart, he was central to safe standing returning to Old Trafford. Trusted, respected, credible, approachable, J Stand and better liked than he ever knew. Rest in peace, Ian. pic.twitter.com/GULBBSVYw7
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) March 11, 2023
Truly devastating news about @Stirling061. Rest in peace my friend. ❤️
— Stretty News (@StrettyNews) March 11, 2023
In shock about the passing of Ian Stirling. He absolutely loved Manchester United and was an incredibly warm, generous, kind, funny and popular man. It’s absolutely tragic news and my heart goes out to his family. A terrible loss. RIP Ian ❤️
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) March 11, 2023
Yanited. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UPkG5inh38
— JD Deitch (@MUSTChair) March 11, 2023
Ian Stirling could have just gone the match & gone home. He didn’t. He stood and represented us when he could have been with his family. He could have just put himself first. He didn’t. He gave all his time to make it better for us. He gave his life to it. Literally. RIP mate.
— SteveArmo ⚫️🟠 (@sarm0161) March 11, 2023
Devastating news about Ian Sterling which will be felt by 1000s of Reds. He was genuine, genuinely cared about well being + welfare of fellow Reds + helped scores out with problems. As a man he was a gentleman; funny. He will be missed + MUFC culture will miss him deeply. RIP.
— Barney @Red News (@barneyrednews) March 11, 2023
Stirling by name, sterling by nature. Beloved by the MUFC community, Ian was an amiable and authentic fella, who adored Manchester United and cared about its fans. So many reds, inc myself, have a story in which Ian helped them. My thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP ❤️
— Jonas Hen Shrag (@JonathanShrager) March 11, 2023
Such devastating news about Ian Stirling. He did so much for United fans over the years and helped to give us a voice. He was also such a kind, funny, caring, warm man. A proper gent. He didn't even mind the Van Gaal jokes. I'll miss a friend I waited too long to see again. RIP pic.twitter.com/bsItSARMmT
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) March 11, 2023
Gutted to hear that Ian Sterling’s passed away, Ian helped me out quite a few times with issues regarding Man Utd & I always found him to be a good bloke who was always available when needed no matter what, my thoughts & prayers are with Ian’s friends & family #RipIan 🙏🏼
— Jimmy McBride (@jimmymcbride1) March 11, 2023
Get the most important Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.