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Inshallah United
- A Story of Faith and Football
- Narrated by: Maanuv Thiara
- Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins
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Summary
Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Awards 2023
Nooruddean Choudry was born in 1979 — the year Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister, Sid Vicious died of a heroin overdose, Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the last Shah of Iran, and Tim Martin opened his first Wetherspoons. Also that year, a local football club lost the Cup Final to Arsenal courtesy of a man named Sunderland. That club would become an all-consuming obsession for young Nooruddean, who would one day become a small brown man and, vitally, also a Red.
Inshallah United is the story of the first British-born son of a Pakistani family living in England’s second city. And geography is important, because if it wasn't for his mum and dad settling in Manchester rather than anywhere else in the world, so much of what makes up Nooruddean's identity could have been so different. As it was, he grew up as a Muslim, Manchester United supporting, Morrissey-loving, Maggie-hating, working-class Manc.
Inshallah United is about growing up as a strictly halal Stretford Ender; a devout Muslim and diehard Red. It’s about praying five times a day that United would sign Alan Shearer and knock the Scousers off their perch. And it’s a deeply personal account of life as a Muslim Asian Mancunian kid in the late 80s and 90s, bookmarked by the most successful period in Manchester United's history.
A Telegraph Sports Book of the Year 2023
Critic reviews
‘I read this lovely book in one session. Every page sparkles with warmth, wisdom and humour. The book is dressed in a football kit but underneath is a celebration of family, friendship and faith. Very uplifting and very funny. I can't wait to find out what happened next.’ Bob Mortimer
'A truly funny, spirited and original memoir – I loved it. Noz’s wonderful writing is totally transporting.' Marina Hyde
‘Very charming and very funny.’ Kathy Burke
‘Apart from all the bits about United, it's great!’ Jamie Carragher
‘It’s the way Choudry examines this idea of belonging to something bigger than himself that makes Inshallah United so thoughtful. It’s fun, too, as Choudry muses on growing up as a Muslim Asian Mancunian in late 20th-century Britain.’ The Observer
‘A funny, thoughtful account of not just the magically maddening life of a football supporter, but also a subtext that explores stereotypes in faith and football.’ Esquire
'The literary equivalent of scoring a hat-trick on your home debut.' Stanley Chow
‘Recognisable, evocative, moving and fun. Noz writes brilliantly. Get this read.’ Graham Hunter
‘A charming, witty and engaging memoir.’ Late Tackle
What listeners say about Inshallah United
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- Amazon Customer
- 17-03-23
A brilliant nostalgia trip
An hilarious book about growing up Muslim and Asian in the 80s and 90s. Funny and poignant
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- Anonymous User
- 10-04-23
Brilliant from start to finish
A excellent read, well written, honest , heartfelt, thoughtful, inspiring, insightful and very funny!!
Highly recommend.
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- Vicky
- 11-10-23
Wonderful
This story is the epitome of “there’s more that unites us than divides us”. I’m older than Noz, white, Scouse but equally football obsessed nerd (now lapsed) with regrets over my relationship with my Dad.
Thoughtful, funny and evocative of childhood and adolescence - I loved this.
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- Simon D.
- 26-03-23
Great read!!!
Really enjoyable from start to finish. As a lifelong football fan (not Utd though, no thanks) a lot of this had me smiling to myself thinking back over time. Full of humour, tinged with some sadness and regret which we all feel as we go through life. Decent narration too which is rare I think.
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- Darren
- 29-04-23
excellent
author is very witty and not afraid to show his feelings. despite our backgrounds being completely different I could resonate with everything. wonderful book
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- Amazon Customer
- 18-03-23
A beautiful trip down memory lane…
BIASED REVIEW ALERT
It’s surreal to listen to your childhood being recounted from another perspective, and as I can’t remember much of it (read the book if you want to know why!) it’s an incredible gift. A fantastic trip down memory lane musically too. It’s a beautiful story, an incredible journey, and the narration by Maanuv Thiara is outstanding. MashaAllah.
Sweet Little Saadia
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- James
- 23-03-23
A lovely listen
Engaging from start to finish. At times funny, at times endearing, at times emotional and often eye opening. Great nostalgia too. The narrator especially towards the end also exceptional. Highly recommend.
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- Mr A Shoaib
- 06-07-23
nostalgic, hilarious, moving
relevant to any Asian who grew up in the 80s and 90s. laughed out loud so many times. final chapter is so moving. thank you for sharing your story
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- Kindle Customer
- 08-05-23
Fantastic listen that will make you laugh and cry
Excellent listen and really resonated with me as a teen growing up in 90s with similar personal experiences. Nice insight into the joy and struggles of identity, family and growing up against the backdrop of Manchester United.
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