I spend most of my time on this website talking about Manchester United players, staff, or legends. Today, however, I am going to be paying tribute to one of Manchester United’s best known fans: Darren ‘Webby’ Webb.
Webby has been a familiar face around Old Trafford for as long as I can remember, not to mention being one half of the popular Webby & O’Neill Youtube channel and podcast. But we will be seeing him in the stands no longer, because very sadly, Webby died on the 12th of August 2026 following a long battle with cancer.
Tributes have been pouring in for him from across the fanbase ever since the announcement was made, and this is mine.
Who Was Webby?
Darren Webb was from Salford, and had been a Manchester United season ticket holder since 1982.
He became very well known among the United faithful, and gained recognition from a much wider audience through his partnership with Tony O’Neill, a friend and fellow United fan with whom he began the Webby & O’Neil fan channel.
It’s with deep sorrow and unimaginable grief we announce the passing of Darren (Webby) yesterday on 12th August after a long battle with cancer. Darren absolutely loved life, his family, friends, followers and his beloved United 🇾🇪
— Darren Webb (@United_Webby) August 13, 2026
Together, they discussed matches, transfers, the ownership (#glazersout), and issues facing supporters. The channel grew to the point they were even interviewing ex-Manchester United players from time to time.
Most people at the club knew him or knew of him. Webb had previously worked in security for some of the club’s players, and used to manage the doors at Hotel Football, right next to Old Trafford. His professional life and his personal life was shaped by following Man United and going to games.
He was an old school fan. A true fan.
Why He Was So Well Liked
Any fan can start a Youtube channel, but it takes something extra to build a following and make a name for yourself.
Webby’s appeal came from his authenticity, his knowledge, and his genuine passion for the club. Manchester United fans don’t come bigger than him – in fact, part of the reason he set up Webby & O’Neill was because he missed the club so much during the COVID pandemic, when fans were unable to attend matches.
He was honest and forthright in his opinions and unafraid of airing them. Sometimes they were very strong opinions indeed, but there was never any doubt about the depth of his support. He did what he did because he loved the club and the game, not because he thought it would get clicks. He was the real deal.
Darren Webb understood the club and its history, and the importance of keeping supporters at the heart of football. This was one of the reasons he spoke out so openly against the European Super League when speaking to The Guardian in 2021.
Supporters remember Webby as a friendly and approachable man who was always willing to chat about United if he was stopped around the ground. And that happened plenty, since he was so well known. He gave supporters a passionate and authentic voice, and he will be greatly missed at Old Trafford and across the wider supporter community.
My thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.
Rest in peace Webby.