Who would have thought it? Just a few years ago it was only a dream to be able to watch Manchester United Women play at the iconic stadium of Old Trafford, but today, it is real.
The cold breath of a crisp December morning guides me closer to the beauty that is Old Trafford as the sea of red shirts congregate at the scarf stalls.
Smiling from ear to ear, a young girl looks delighted with her new purchase as she ditches off her rather plain pink scarf for a brand new ‘Alessia Russo’ one.
Moving through the expanding crowd, the sight of it was there, Old Trafford. Wow. Despite having already been here, today it feels better.
A chance to see our women’s team play here, a chance for them to showcase their talents to wider audience and a chance to display change.
The enthralling walk up Sir Matt Busby Way sounds out the classic United match day tunes but today there’s a slight difference.
No ‘viva Ronaldo’, ’12 days of Cantona’ or ‘Portuguese Magnifico’ can be heard; today it’s ‘Tooney and Lessi Russo’, ‘We’ve got Zelem’ and ‘Super Mil’.
No matter the ground or team, one thing remains the same. The smell of fresh burgers. A trail of translucent steam follows the family as they march towards the turnstiles.
Weaving through the long hot chocolate stall queues, I make my way up to my seat. Filled with excitement, I scan my ticket, squeeze through the gates, and grab a programme before stepping out into the stands.
The feeling of amazement fills me as I look out from the packed Stretford End with goosebumps, onto a banner stating: ‘change is here’.
Approaching kick off, a reverberating roar exclaims from the record-breaking crowd as United make their way onto the hallowed turf for the warmup.
A respectful reception sounds out as opponents Aston Villa are welcomed out but there is one loud cheer when one Villa player enters. Kirsty Hanson.
Despite being dressed head to toe in the claret strip, the fans’ love for the winger is undoubtable.
I can only feel sympathy for the Scot. A chance to play at Old Trafford is scuppered after her loan deal at Villa sees herself unable to face her parent club.
‘Bring on United, bring on United’ echoes throughout as the players arise from the tunnel ahead of crunch time.
An action-packed and chilly opening 45 minutes end via a huge applause following a scintillating first half from the Reds.
Attempting to defrost before the second half, I head in to grab a drink before noticing the puzzled look of a young girl.
‘She didn’t give me the bottle top, Dad,’ the girl questions. Grabbing his bottle of sprite from the counter, the dad chuckles: “welcome to Old Trafford”.
The sweet smell of hot chocolates signals the return of the second half as the crowd roll back out into their seats.
Moments later, ‘Tooney and Lessi Russo’ blasts around the stadium as the duo combine for their childhood club, causing the jubilant eruptions.
Five goals later, the synchronised thud of seats ring around as the booming crowd are on their feet whilst United parade the infamous pitch waving to the fans after a blistering performance.
A moment of history for sure.
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