I freakin’ love football.
By football, I mean the proper version of football, played with a round ball, where you can’t touch the ball with your hands (unless you’re one of two guys at each end of the field) and requires a ton of endurance since you’re running for a solid 90 minutes. THAT football.
As long as I’ve been a football fan, I’ve been a Manchester United fan. For the last 15+ years, I’ve quietly rooted for the Red Devils, watched some of the best players in the world come and go, and silently cheered all the championships and titles they’ve won.
In September 2010, I finally had the chance to go to Manchester. While the main purpose was for a Muse concert, I made a trip down the road to finally see Old Trafford with my own eyes. Walking into the MU shop was like walking into football heaven. I probably would’ve bought half the store if it wasn’t so early on in my trip.
I saw my first Man United game in Chicago on July 23rd 2011, where they played the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. The boys won 3-1, and I finally got to see Ryan Giggs play in person with my own eyes. Fantastic day.
On March 10th 2012, I saw my first actual match at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Not only did United beat West Brom 2-0, they also regained the lead in the Premier League thanks to a Man City defeat by Swansea. It was almost hard to tell whether the United win or that score posting got the bigger cheer from the crowd!
I also had the opportunity to take a tour of Old Trafford the day before the match. Seeing the museum and actually getting to sit in the player’s dressing room and their seats next to the pitch was an unbelievable experience.
