10 May 2025 00:55:21
Last night was special. I was back at Old Trafford for the first time in two decades, and what a way to return—with a big European night against Athletic. The emotions hit as soon as I stepped into the Academy suite and later took in the game from NE3420. The atmosphere was electric. It reminded me of everything I’ve missed about being there in person: the noise, the tension, the unity. There’s truly no place like it.
That said, the game itself was a mix of highs and head-scratching moments. The goal we conceded? Woeful. A lapse that felt avoidable and just deflated the energy briefly. Harry Maguire had a few shaky moments, but to be fair, he’s put in some solid performances lately. It’s just a shame our fanbase can be so quick to turn on him.
Then there’s Garnacho. Undeniably talented, but he’s becoming increasingly frustrating—constantly giving away possession, going down too easily, and still getting applauded for it. We can’t afford that kind of wastefulness. Dorgu, too, wasn’t up to scratch. He looked reluctant to push forward, despite fans in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand shouting encouragement. He’s no Gary Neville—he seems more comfortable passing backwards, lacking that extra drive we need in wide areas.
It felt like we were crying out for fitter players with the courage to carry the ball forward. When Bruno dropped deeper into a two-man midfield, we found pockets of space, but no one seemed willing to exploit them. The dynamics changed slightly when Amad came on, Dorgu moved to the right, and Luke took over the left. Suddenly, Dorgu ran more—but it looked like a chore, not a choice. There’s a lethargy creeping into his game that worries me.
On a more positive note, Mason Mount was brilliant. Always on the move, box-to-box, with energy and intent. He earned those two goals and showed exactly why we need him fit and firing in the starting XI.
The night wasn’t just about tactics and frustrations though. My son came with me—and seeing his joy, taking it all in, was priceless. He was buzzing just to be there. The Tifo display was brilliant and added to the occasion. The fireworks? Less so. For ten minutes, the smoke ruined visibility and the smell was honestly awful—health and safety might want a word.
Still, all that aside, I left the ground hopeful. There's work to do, but the pieces are there. We just need the right energy, sharper decision-making, and players willing to fight for every ball.
Let’s bring this trophy home. And yes—I’ve got Ruben’s chant stuck in my head. Might be time I finally learn the words.
10 May 2025 05:25:08
Nice story Red.
I took my son to OT a few years ago, hoping to pass on my passion for United to him. He hated it, turns out he isn’t a big football fan and now we spend Saturday mornings playing golf together and he couldn’t be happier, funny how life turns out.
10 May 2025 09:47:04
Me and my boy were in the same section, RDF. First time I'd been since Fergie's last game in charge.
Great atmosphere, but only really in the 2nd half. There was a nervousness and tension about the place after the Bilbao goal.
To be fair to the Bilbao fans, they helped with the atmosphere as well, singing and chanting from the first minute. They were great in the city centre, too.
Hard to beat European games at the business end.
Even the sun came out!
12 May 2025 06:15:41
He’ll bring the glory days again
We’ll back him from the Stretford End
He’ll turn the reds around
The words to learn.