The 1878 arrives on CounterPress promising “honest, independent journalism” for Manchester United fans

Manchester United fans, do you ever get tired of trying to find trustworthy, authoritative, knowledgeable coverage of your club in the chaotic world of modern media?

Introducing an independent title to cut through the noise in 2026.

The 1878, led by United historian and author Wayne Barton and talkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook, intends to provide supporters with trusted news, insightful analysis, authoritative transfer reporting and unmatched historical context - connecting the club’s past, present and future through honest, independent journalism.

Wayne’s association with United stretches back to the 1980s.

He has written over 20 books on the club, including two films, and has interviewed over 100 players, coaches and staff related to the club.

He was described by former United owner Martin Edwards as the ‘pre-eminent writer on the club’, and by the late great Patrick Barclay as the ‘leading football writer in the country’.

The 1878 members can expect exclusive transfer stories, deep tactical and club analysis, expert opinion, unrivalled historical features, hard-hitting opinion pieces, and the stories that matter most.

Alex has been a dedicated fan since 1990, and covers United regularly in his role as talkSPORT's chief football correspondent as well as commentating and reporting on games at Old Trafford.

Wayne said: “I’m delighted to be working with Alex on a new outlet for United supporters.

“As anyone who has read my writing knows, I’m incredibly passionate about the present United and contextualising it within the lens of our magnificent history.

“It is a promising time for the club and a promising time for Counterpress so I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

The 1878’s early interest waiting list is now open, ahead of a full launch after the World Cup.

United supporters keen to explore the platform can secure an exclusive discount on membership by adding their details to the mailing list today.

The site is the latest in a succession of outlets covering the Premier League, EFL and National League to make CounterPress their home.

It joins the likes of The Moonraker (Swindon Town), From Bromley With Love (Bromley), For Fox Sake (Leicester City), The Brighton Base (Brighton & Hove Albion), The Quartermen (Wycombe Wanderers), Leyton Orientear (Leyton Orient), The Monkey’s Uncle (Hartlepool United), Medway On My Mind (Gillingham), The Biscuit (Reading), The Phoenix (Coventry City), Full Throstle (West Bromwich Albion), and Saturday White Fever (Fulham).

CounterPress offers the technical infrastructure and industry knowledge and support that journalists and creators need to build their own media brand.

Co-founder Sam Morshead said: “This is a blockbuster lineup for a blockbuster club, and I’m delighted Wayne and Alex have chosen CounterPress to support them in delivering a product of value and substance for the United community.

“Given their combined contacts book and knowledge of the club, they are bound to generate intelligent, insightful, in-demand coverage with a specific fan-first focus that much of the headline reporting of the big clubs can get wrong.

“Combining Wayne’s ability to bring the past, culture and soul of the club to life, and Alex’s confronting opinions and nose for the news is going to create a sizzling local outlet for fans of one of the biggest teams in the world.”