TOUCH, SHOT AND…
The second half was more open. As time went on, I stopped noticing the empty stands or the legendary surroundings. It’s true what players say – sometimes you really don’t hear the crowd because you’re so locked into the game. I’ll never be a pro – my career ended at junior level – but I understand that feeling now.
I played better after the interval. We were attacking to the Stretford End – the stand where United usually find goals. It didn’t matter that it was empty – the aura was there. Team Robson added five more goals. Pawel chipped in two assists; I might have earned a ‘Fantasy Premier League’ secondary assist. The star of the show was our striker from Ireland – he bagged a hat-trick and deservedly took home the Man of the Match award.
I do regret one moment in the 85th minute – a decent strike from outside the box was superbly saved by the keeper. Final score: 7–1 to us. But there were no losers that day. Everyone gave it their all – and the memories will last a lifetime.
After the final whistle, we took more photos and shared handshakes. After a quick shower, we met again in the Trafford Suite in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, where the club had laid on refreshments. It was a time to chat, toast the day with a pint, and have a look one more time at the legendary pitch where we had now written our own chapter.
After the celebration, we all went our separate ways. The Theatre of Dreams made dreams a reality once more, offering supporters a rare glimpse from the inside. These memories will stay with me forever. And next time I visit Old Trafford, I’ll be able to say with pride: “I played here.” I think I need to pinch myself again. Football, bloody hell!
The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.
Mateusz is a passionate United fan and the founder/editor-in-chief of DevilPage.pl, a website covering the club for Polish supporters that has been running for more than 20 years.