November 2012, the last time I was at Old Trafford to see Manchester United. We tamed Queens Park Rangers that day. I was so fortunate to see Sir Alex Ferguson in his final year at United. A lot has changed since then - David Moyes & Louis Van Gaal.

I wanted to see United play under the Van Gaal regime and plans were drawn, dates set! I was to visit the Theatre of Dreams again on 23rd January 2016 to see Manchester United face Southampton! This time I opted for the Salford Suite seats with Hospitality at Hotel Football.

My Family Friend accompanied me on this journey and we stayed at Hotel Football ( for 3 nights ) as well since its opposite Old Trafford. My friend was returning to the sport after a span of 40 years and what awaited him was truly an eye-opening experience for him.

Day started early as we left London :

London Euston..now where is our train..We travelled in style - Virgin Trains First Class :

Menu onboard Virgin Trains First Class :

Enroute to Manchester :

Manchester!

We reached Hotel Football and had a couple of hours before Kickoff. The Hotel was buzzing with activity! You knew it was matchday!

Passes for the game :

The Hospitality Suite at Hotel Football :

Menu :

Time to binge :

We were soon joined by David May in the Suite who discusses United's season so far :

Part 1 of the Q&A ( Video Link ) :

Part 2 of the Q&A ( Video Link ) :

Post the Interview, it was time to go to the Stadium for the game.

An Important Update :

The Only recording equipment allowed now is your mobile phone. Cameras, Selfie Sticks are banned on matchdays ( in the aftermath of the Paris Attacks ) - Huge disappointment but safety first.

The View from the Salford Suite in Sir Alex Ferguson Stand :

Manchester United enters Old Trafford ( Video Link ) :

The Boys entering OT!

Team Announcements ( Video Link ) :

Selfie Time :

First Half Commences ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5gDW5NE4es

Shots from the First Half :

Manchester United pressurizing Southampton ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWpmdNb7Gmg

Barring a few minutes of pressure, United played possession football with nothing to show on the scoreline. These pictures sum up the mood of the United Supporters that night :

First Half comes to an end ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmBFZGN-JeM

Waiting for the Second Half to begin :

Seats filling up again before the Second Half :

Second Half begins ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drvFRdkPAhk

Juan Mata came on in the Second Half and the play was a lot more positive for United :

United creating chances in the Second Half ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SySaBziNaLw

However Southampton scored in the dying minutes of the game and boos were heard all over the stadium!

The Atmosphere in the stadium after Southampton scores ( Video Link ) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v8rc-8T5No

We had been pretty ordinary over 90 minutes and I was very disappointed with the display that night. However Win or Lose, United for Life!

Final Whistle and a disappointing day at Old Trafford :(

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x62znw516bw

We returned to the Hotel Suite and the mood was pretty sober. However we were soon joined by another United Legend - Sammy McIlroy!

Part 1 of Interview ( Video Link ) :




Part 2 of Interview ( Video Link ) :




Norman Whiteside!!

Making new friends in Manchester :


The Final Selfie as an eventful day comes to an end :

4 years had passed since I last visited Old Trafford. A lot has changed since then. The Result and the performance wasn't what was expected but the joy of being a part of the Manchester United Family is unparalleled! My Friend cherished the experience and his love for football was rekindled!

A big thank you to Mr. Peter Watts from Premier Explore for arranging Hotels, Match passes and the Hospitality for us at Hotel Football.

Hope to be at the Theatre of Dreams - Again!

Date : 24th November 2012.

Location : Manchester, United Kingdom

The Big Day had arrived. The Day when I would see the "Red Devils" take the field in their quest for yet another English Premier League Title.

Their Adversaries : Queens Park Rangers better known as QPR.

QPR was a very strong team on paper. It boasted of having players who have played for top teams in their early days but yet the team looked in disarray.

QPR had been going downhill and had just sacked Mark Hughes ( Manager ) a day before their game against Manchester United.

It was quite a nice game to be at as United had to dig deep to attain all 3 points.

 

My Day started with a big surprise. I exited the Elevator of my hotel to discover the entire QPR team sitting in the lobby getting ready for their "pre-match warm-up walk".

I got hold of a few players and they obliged me with autographs while some honoured me with a picture with them

 

Shaun Wright-Philips :

Park Ji-Sung :

 

There were still a couple of hours until kickoff but the Trams were already full

 

I alighted at Old Trafford Station and was amazed at the scores of Supporters moving towards Old Trafford!

 

The Stalls brimming with Scarves and other Manchester United "Merchandise"

 

The Walk to the Theatre of Dreams!

 

I had opted for the Hospitality at Old Trafford. I was at the EUROPA SUITE :

 

My Ticket and all the goodies that came with it!

 

I settled into my seat and soon enough we were all surprised by the arrival of our "Captain Fantastic" - the man from Serbia, NEMANJA VIDIC!! I was one of the privileged few to get an autograph from our Captain

 

It was time...

 

The Boys warming up :

 

Fred The Red :

 

Getting ready for Kick - Off :

 

Stretford End!!

 

The Teams coming out onto the pitch, here is the link of the video uploaded by me :

 

Accolades for Robin Van Persie :

 

Boys waiting for the whistle :

 

Kick-off!! Video Link :

 

Some shots from the First Half :

 

QPR Goal Disallowed! Sigh of Relief...

 

Half Time!

 

Second Half saw Manchester United conceed.

 

Substitution Time :

 

Manchester United equalised through Johnny Evans!

Video Link :

 

Manchester United wasted little time in taking the lead from another setpiece. Corner Kick by Rooney and into the Goal by Darren Fletcher!! 2-1 

Video Link :

 

As Smalling and Jones warmed up, United decided to put the game to bed. Javier Hernandez, our Little Pea defeated the offside trap to score from a one-on-one situation.

3-1 to United!!  

 

Old Trafford in all its Glory!    

 

Nick Powell comes on for Danny Welbeck    

 

WAYNE ROONEY what a game our lad had!   

 

The Final Whistle went off and United secured all 3 points against QPR. United went to the Top of the Table and have stayed there since!!  

 

Video Link :

 

 

The Home of Manchester United - OLD TRAFFORD! 

 

A Picture to Treasure, A Moment to Cherish!!

 

 

Anderson paid a quick visit to the suite. I did get time to have a nice chat with a Legend at Manchester United.

SAMMY McILROY!!

It was time to leave the stadium and return home. The words said by the 2 greatest managers on the planet shall always stay with me!

Sir Matt Busby who revived the United Legacy after the Flowers of Manchester went home early...

 

Sir Alex Ferguson who took Manchester United to the top. The man who knocked Liverpool off their perch, the man the world reveres and respects. The man who made us dream and took the club to glories unthinkable. The Undisputed king of the Managerial World!! 

I KNEW I WAS HOME!!!

What a day what an experience. Unforgettable, Unparalled. A dream fulfilled.

Thank you God and Thank you Dad for letting me experience the experience of seeing the Red Devils play in front of their faithful. 

 

There is more to come!! Watch this Space!!