'They're not real fans' – Pep Guardiola mural restored after Man Utd fans deface it with 'MUFC' graffiti

Posted Tuesday, September 27, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

A STREET ARTIST has slammed Manchester United fans for vandalising a mural of Pep Guardiola.

The graffiti artist known as Mr Meana completed the huge mural on the side of a house in Ashton New Road last week, just a stone's throw from the Etihad.

'They're not real fans' – Pep Guardiola mural restored after Man Utd fans deface it with 'MUFC' graffiti
A street artist paid homage to Pep Guardiola with a mural not far from the EtihadCredit: PA

'They're not real fans' – Pep Guardiola mural restored after Man Utd fans deface it with 'MUFC' graffiti
But United fans defaced the painting and spraypainted 'MUFC' over itCredit: Cavendish

Mr Meana wanted to pay homage to Guardiola who he regards as a "legend of the sport".

The mural was reportedly well received by the local community with people queuing to see the artwork.

But some United fans ruined the mural by throwing paint on the wall and graffitiing 'MUFC' over it.

Talking to the Manchester Evening News about the defacing, Mr Meana said: "It was just so frustrating when I received that message just hours after finishing it.

"We'd had a lot of people walk past and take pictures while we were making it. It won't be possible to get it exactly how it was when we originally finished it but I'm doing the best I can."

Describing the vandals as "childish and not real fans", he added: "It's a work that meant a lot to the fans. All football fans can appreciate what he (Pep) has done, he's a legend of not just this club but the sport.

"It brought a smile to people walking past and is a great thing to have for matchdays."

He was not downbeat for too long however and set about repairing the damage caused.

Mr Meana works with street artist company MurWalls, who were also responsible for the mural of Sergio Aguero in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

Other City stars including Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Joao Cancelo and John Stones have also been immortalised on the streets of Manchester by another street artist called Eric Akse, also known as Akse-P19.