Groenen: We’ve built a great team
She recently sat down with us to discuss life at United and how much she is enjoying life at the club…
Talk us through your first few months at the club, Jackie…
I’m really happy. I like the atmosphere and the fans, and the mentality we have. I feel like, ever since I arrived here, I’ve been getting better every single day. That’s what I’m aiming for and it makes me very happy. The team we’ve built has been great and I love coming into training every morning.
What’s it’s like living in Manchester?
I like doing a lot of sightseeing, but we don’t have too many days off! I’ve been to see the Northern Quarter, which is really funky, and I like it. It has history and nice coffee shops, which really speaks to my way of living. I’ve really enjoyed it here up until now, but I honestly can’t get used to the weather! It goes up and down really quickly. When it rains here, it pours! It’s not just rain… you drown! But I’ve settled in well. I like the mentality – people are very friendly and accommodating in the north, which feels very welcoming.
We’ve noticed you waving to people in the crowd. Do your family come over to visit often?
My parents come over basically every weekend to see the games, so I don’t have to miss them that much. Everyone wants to come and watch United play, so sometimes I feel a bit like a ticket seller! But it’s been great. Everyone’s very excited and wants to come and see me in a Manchester United shirt.
Where have you been taking them in Manchester?
My dad loves architecture so I took him to the John Rylands Library. My friends have been with me to the Northern Quarter and we went Christmas shopping, things like that. It’s been a bit of everything when people have been coming over, which is good for me because it means I get to do a bit of sightseeing as well.
What’s the perception of the club back home?
Obviously, Manchester United is seen as one of the world’s biggest clubs. When I came here people were very excited. They’re interested in every single thing – the pitch we play on, the stadium we play in. It’s massive. I think I’ve created a new Dutch fan base for the club now. It’s very big in the Netherlands, and everywhere else.
