Even if attempts to salvage something from this season via Europa success ultimately end in failure, we’ll always have Lyon at home. We’ve been fortunate enough to witness many trophies won over the years but I’d argue moments like that Maguire winner are a much rarer, more precious thing in the life of a football supporter. As an approximate guess I’ve probably celebrated, I dunno, getting on for 2000 goals at United games. That one was right up there as one of the greatest ever. Just for the sheer improbability of what had just occurred.
I can probably count on two hands occasions at the match where I’ve reached that level of headloss previously. It’s a feeling that defies a rational explanation and even if you tried, it wouldn’t sound credible to anyone who hadn’t experienced the same thing themselves. Such scenes tend to be described as ‘limbs’ these days by social media try-hards, with most examples shared tending to be contrived and merely performative. That Maguire goal was more than just limbs, it was one of those moments where you blackout completely and come round 30-40 seconds later thinking ‘what the fuck just happened?’
The feeling it evokes is something close to genuine elation. People try to seek it out through religion, sex, drugs or music but I dunno… as sad as it may sound, to my mind nothing on earth comes close to an injury time winner in absurd circumstances like that. I really should have grown out of this by now. I’m 51 years old and have had many great days watching United but clearly, they still possess the ability to stun me on occasion. What a night. What a feeling. Football man.
As Napoli edge ahead in the race for this year’s Scudetto, the man of the moment is Scott McTominay who’s been tearing things up since his move to Italy. Regular MOTM performances, plenty of goals and rave reviews every week – good for him. Whilst I’m pleased that the move has worked out for the lad, I still can’t get my head around the chorus of social media wailing that follows his every performance now. McTominay is doing well at Napoli but that doesn’t mean that United weren’t entirely correct to sell him when they did.
During his 7 years as a first team player with over 250 appearances, I can barely recall a single occasion when he dominated the midfield. I know he chipped in with a few goals, particularly during his last season, but for the most part he was a passenger in an underperforming team. His attitude was good but his range of passing was poor and he’d routinely concede possession. Even more crucially, he’d regularly go missing when we were crying out for someone to show for the ball. This isn’t singling him out for criticism as his midfield colleagues were equally at fault more often than not.
The fact he’s doing well in Serie A is great for him personally and I hope he continues to enjoy himself there. But let’s put this in some perspective given that he’s back playing alongside Romalu Lukaku. Christ, Darmian and Mkhitaryan are still turning out for Inter Milan at the combined age of 71. I know Italian football is highly technical and can be just as wildly entertaining as it was in its fabled 90s heyday, but it’s just not comparable with the insane physical level of the Premier League. You receive the ball in Italy and have 3-4 seconds to think about what’s next as opposed to having 3 players closing you down in an instant. McTominay is thriving there because the game is played at a slower pace and it suits him better.
I don’t wish to come across as a know-it-all but I told you last month that Bilbao was definitely happening and it looks like it definitely is. I refuse to entertain intrusive thoughts of impending disaster in the home leg so as far as I’m concerned we’ve already qualified for the final. And no, I’m not feeling smug at all about booking direct return flights from MCR last July whilst everyone else is now scrambling round for ways to get there via Timbuktu.
The recent visit for the semi-final provided another memorable day and showcased what an incredible place it is. It’s a cheap drink, the food is world class and the hosts are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. The centre was buzzing all day with locals out on the streets bedecked in red and white stripes. I’m not just talking groups of lads – I mean entire families, pensioners, kids and family pets. All very friendly, not a hint of malice anywhere, all wanting to shake hands and welcome us to their city.
As we got closer to the ground an hour or so before kick off I couldn’t quite believe the scene there. There were thousands packed into the streets surrounding the stadium and there was a full-on carnival taking place. Fireworks, smoke bombs going off, music pumping out of bars – they were having a proper party. I asked a local kid if this was because it was a big game and he just shrugged and said “a few more people because of the bank holiday… but no, it’s always like this”. Personally I’d never seen anything like it. What a gaff.
If we do meet Spurs as is looking likely then I’m sure it’ll be fine for the most part. They are seasoned travellers like us and I expect the vast majority will be wanting a peaceful trip without any mither. With a 15,000 allocation everyone who merits a ticket should get one easily enough, and that’s including members with credits who’re ineligible to apply as things stand. Once people start looking at the logistics of getting there and the lack of accommodation I expect many will swerve it in the end – so there should be plenty of spares floating about for anyone struggling. (Remember this was the case for Stockholm in 2017.)
Fingers crossed then, after what’s been an utter shitshow for the most part, 2024-25 might well end on a high. At times it felt like the club had been cursed this season but perhaps not, eh? Good luck steering clear of the Irish bar divs in Bilbao, enjoy the summer break and I’ll see you in August.
Copyright Red News – May 2025
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