Old Trafford awaits Old Trafford erupted the last time it staged a match a couple of weeks ago. An explosion was how Robin van Persie described the reaction to his late leveller against Chelsea. The unbridled joy that follows such dramatic moments is why we all follow football with such a passion. It makes us crave more of these special bonds between the players on the pitch and the supporters in the stands. Furthermore, it reminds us simply how enjoyable the whole experience is. Spoiled by the regular participation in the Champions League, any suggestion of taking any game for granted has already long since disappeared this term. The gaps between fixtures seem like weeks – they sometimes are when international breaks are factored in – and we have another one of those looming following Crystal Palaces visit this weekend. After the celebrations against Chelsea, it felt a long wait until the Manchester derby. The fact United were a man light before the interval generated a peculiar feeling that accompanied the rest of the game as even a brave effort ultimately proved fruitless. For me, moments in matches are amplified – the spurning of a chance, an attack being halted or even the good times, the goals and the flashes of skill that bring gasps from the fans. Yet, as the derby slipped away, thoughts were already turning to the next time the Reds could go 11 versus 11. I need my United fix. I want to see Angel Di Maria parade his talents. Im intrigued to see more of the other new boys. It was a shame Ander Herrera fractured his rib because he is another entertaining player to watch. Im desperate to see Radamel Falcao prove his world-class marksmanship. Of course, there is a bigger picture beyond this. Every Red is fascinated to see Louis van Gaals philosophy take hold. How will the playing style evolve? The clues to support this are becoming increasingly evident but I thirst for more. I am impatient to witness the future and it means I study every minute of every fixture with even more intensity than usual. The clocks have gone back and, with Halloween and Bonfire Night out of the way, Christmas is rapidly approaching. Palace come to town for a traditional three oclock kick-off and Old Trafford will be buzzing. This is the time of year when football feels even more special for the match-going supporter. Frustratingly, there is still one final pause for international games, even if there is an opportunity to watch Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the Theatre of Dreams in the Argentina versus Portugal friendly. Its a chance Im keen not to pass up during a campaign when I feel a little starved of footballing entertainment. Following the break, there is a trip to Arsenal and a home clash with Hull City before November is even out. And then, gloriously, a midweek fixture! Five matches follow the Stoke City encounter before the year is out and, hopefully, a successful FA Cup run will ensure the calendar remains busy in 2015. The Capital One Cup exit has not helped and I feel deprived of United action in the opening part of 2014/15. Roll on Saturday and the first of those excursions to the ground when there is a chill in the air to accompany the expectation. Lets leave the three-match months behind us and embrace this new era! The views expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 12:28:07 +0000
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