MUSC Longford @ Old Trafford 24/25 Vol3
Manchester United v Crystal Palace,
Sunday 2nd February 2025
Due to our team's participation in the Europa League, this game had been moved to Sunday which meant travelling members were afforded a free day on Saturday which was a great chance to relax by taking in a swim, a bit of therapeutic shopping or just a wander around Bury or even Manchester. Some even managed to Rock out at the Gym and fit in some rigorous leg routines!
For the Junior Members, it was a chance to head into The Theatre Of Dreams for the stadium and museum tour. A chance to really savour the history of our famous stadium without the hustle and bustle of matchday.
It also meant being able to cheer on the Irish in the rugby, but not too loudly considering where we were. It all added to what is a great weekend for the Supporters Club every time anyways. We all know that the trips aren't reliant on results to make them special, it's more about the experience and the great company we keep- our MUSC Longford family.
Our love of Manchester United brings us together. It brings families together, it brings friends together. It brings work mates together, it brings neighbours and even strangers together.
There's a lot of history attached to this great football club, it's always going to be emotional...
...And whether it's win-lose-draw, we go through the emotions together!
Some tears of happiness were shed on arrival to the ground upon meeting club Legend Andy Cole pitch-side, who on behalf of Manchester United presented us with a signed jersey in recognition of our incredible support on our 30th Year Anniversary.
There were tears of condolence for the victims and families of the Munich air disaster on the 67th Anniversary of that tragedy as the club held a memorial service.
And of course tears of anguish at the final whistle.
GGMU
Kick-Off
Form-wise, Crystal Palace had a good record going into Sunday's game having done the double over us last season. That, coupled with the fact we've lost half of our home games this season (4/6 under Amorim) meant a heartburn-free day was a tough ask.
United had good possession and some chances in the first half, ones a striker might score, before Palace grew in confidence and showed how dangerous they could be with their strength on the break.
One thing's for sure if we had an Andy Cole up front we would have notched a couple goals and went in at the break on top.
Sure enough less than twenty minutes into the second half the inevitable happened. One minute a free at one end finds it way to Ugarte who rifles it toward goal only for Henderson to get down quick to block. The next a free at the other end finds a header off the bar scrambled home in front of the palace fans, much to the dismay of the 70,ooo plus home fans, which were well represented by our own Supporters Club.
Things went from bad to worse with a Martinez injury. It was game over when we were caught on the break again as we were two down and running out of time.
An emotional day ended with the opportunity to drown our sorrows with a few post match beers via The International, which is located underneath The Stretford End. This is highly recommended and while the circumstances this time didn't call for celebrations, one can only imagine what a successful matchday may offer in this fine spot.
There is also the added bonus of hanging around the stadium a little bit later than usual and catching a glimpse of your favourite players or even the manager if your lucky.
But the best thing was the shout out from current player Diogo Dalot which was nice to get as we were trying to forget the result.
Thanks to Nicola and Kevin for all the organising that goes with these trips, thanks to Michael Lenihen and all at Old Trafford for looking after us, thanks to Andy Cole who scored on MUSC Longfords first trip to The Theatre Of Dreams in the 96/97 season and thanks to everyone who travelled and made it another memorable outing,