This month Gary Neville urged Manchester United to "stop experimenting" and appoint a manager who "fits the club's DNA". But can a football club really have DNA - and while we're at it, can you ever tell two clubs' DNA apart? What about club ways and club philosophies? We thought we'd put these football phrases to the test. Below are five real quotes discussing a team's DNA, way or philosophy.

Source: BBC January 26, 2026 18:56 UTC