When it comes to Man United, United We Stand editor Andy Mitten always has his ear to the ground for us.
But a few months ago, he undertood a fascinating journey to Iran where he met and interviewed the former Manchester United assistant Carlos Quieroz, who happens to be the Persian side's manager.
Mitten was on hand to watch Iran suffer the heartbreak of a late Lionel Messi winner on Saturday in World Cup Group F, having held Nigeria to a draw just days earlier.
They have managed to achieve such results despite the challenge of international sanctions and even getting hold of Quieroz was difficult as no one Mitten knew had a means of contacting him.
"After three months [of trying to track him down], I gave up. Then on Facebook, I saw a United We Stand reader with his arms around Carlos Queiroz, saying 'this is my good friend Carlos,'" Mitten revealed.
That set things in motion for the United fanzine editor and within an hour Quieroz was inviting him to Tehran.
While many journalists had been barred from entering Iran, Mitten explained why he was lucky enough to get the chance of going to Iran, despite lengthy delays with VISA applications and logistical difficulties upon arriving, including an emergency cash loan from Iran winger Ashkhan Dejagah.
Mitten also spoke about the atmosphere in Belo Horizonte and the emotion displayed by Iran, their fans and Queiroz during and after the match.
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