Manchester’s footballers have been a subject of fascination for brothers Eamonn and James Clarke, who have been photographing them for as long as the Premier League has existed. As Manchester United and Manchester City prepare to face each other in the FA Cup final, the Clarkes reflect on some of their favorite images from the past 20 years.
One memorable image is from United’s Christmas party in 2005. James Clarke describes it as “horrible,” with the players wearing bootcut jeans and outdated styles. The Clarkes explain that back then, their business revolved around United, as there wasn’t much demand for City pictures. After European games, United players would often go out in town, usually to exclusive bars like Sugar Lounge. The brothers’ ability to capture these moments was seen by the players as a way to keep them in check. There were even conspiracy theories among the squad, with some believing that the Clarkes were informing manager Sir Alex Ferguson about their activities.
Another significant moment captured by the Clarkes was Carlos Tevez’s defection from United to City in 2009. A day before the announcement, Tevez had a meal with his former United teammate Patrice Evra. The Clarkes’ photograph of the two players having lunch together caused a stir, and Evra revealed that Ferguson had threatened to rip up his contract if he was seen with Tevez again.
In 2012, the two Manchester clubs pursued Robin van Persie, marking a shift in their transfer strategies. The Clarkes explain that at the time, both clubs used the same private hospital for new signings’ medicals. They had to observe the security staff, cars, and medical staff accompanying Van Persie to determine which club he had chosen.
One of the most iconic images captured by the Clarkes is of Mario Balotelli and Roberto Mancini’s bust-up in 2013. Balotelli’s off-pitch antics made him a cult hero at City, and the Clarkes describe him as “gold dust.” Mancini, who had a strict training regime, would often reprimand Balotelli. The Clarkes’ photographs of their physical altercation went viral and prompted City to build a new training ground that offered better privacy and control over their public image.
In 2016, Marcus Rashford’s breakthrough goal in the Manchester derby made him the face of United’s future. The Clarkes recall photographing then-manager Louis van Gaal at a Chinese restaurant after the match. Van Gaal acknowledged that promoting Rashford was an obvious choice, saying, “It wasn’t hard, it was right in front of you.” Despite United’s recent struggles, Rashford remains a popular subject for photographs, especially when he’s seen in his Rolls Royce.
While photographs of United players still sell well, the same cannot be said for City’s stars. Eamonn Clarke explains that internet searches for “Man United” are higher in South America, Hong Kong, and China compared to searches for “Manchester City.” This lack of interest from advertisers means there is less media coverage of City. However, this lower level of pressure allows City manager Pep Guardiola and his players to live more freely. Guardiola cycles around the city, while his predecessor Jose Mourinho faced criticism for living in a serviced apartment hotel.
In conclusion, the Clarkes’ photographs have captured iconic moments in Manchester’s football history. From Christmas parties to high-profile transfers and on-pitch clashes, their images provide a unique glimpse into the lives of these football stars. The changing dynamics between United and City, as well as the shift in media coverage, reflect the evolving landscape of Manchester football.