Manchester United’s match against the Philadelphia Union had an electric atmosphere as the sounds of Old Trafford made their way across the ocean to Lincoln Financial Stadium.
United eventually walked out 1-0 winners, but it was far from comfortable for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men as the Union pushed them to the end with a tenacious approach.
Like what has happened many times over the years in front of the Stretford End, the supporters behind the goal that United were attacking in the second-half will want to take partial credit that it was their will that sucked the ball into the net.
However, the Union’s approach to the match was not the only tenacious approach as there were sections of the crowd passionately spewing out the lyrics to some of the most famous United chants.
First
Only a few American Reds have been over to Old Trafford to enjoy the electric feeling at Old Trafford, so the majority of the 44,000 fans were treated to songs, chants and endless banter from sections of the crowd.
Chants such as “UNI-TED,” “You Are My Solskjaer” and “Who Are Ya!?“ rang loudest, but there was also some clever chants as well. Some of the Union fans, or “Sons of Ben” as they are known, tried to replicate the United three-clap chant, but during their pause the United fans would chant back, in good fun of course, “Sucks!”
Even though United were winners on the field, they were bigger winners as there were many fans in the stadium that have never seen a club like them play live.
Soccer is not a very popular - or appreciated - sport here in the United States, so have a club like United come can only increase the exposure to the uneducated.
Americans are well-known for their willingness to go to a sports game to just appreciate the aurora that the game provides, and last night’s game proved to be no different.
Throughout the crowd, there were many neutrals amongst the Union fans that have never been to a live soccer match, so to be seated near groups passionate United supporters behind the goal must have been a real treat for them.
Many were American football or baseball fans – even had their favorite team’s jersey or hat on – but at the game’s end, they were educated from the experience and the love that some here have for United.
However, there was a very disappointing aspect of the crowd as they were Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal shirts scattered throughout, but the majority of those “fans” were treated to some not-so-friendly chants for coming and supporting one of their hated-rivals.
Manchester United is already the world’s most popular club with approximately 333 million fans, but with the exposure of a preseason tour, like the Tour 2010, can only lead to an even bigger following.
Visit One United USA's official Tour 2010 site - unitedinthestates.blogspot.com - for the latest updates and information about the training sessions for the United States part of the tour.
Contributed by David Hammons / United View From Abroad
2 comments:
We were there Wednesday night and it was super to see the lads again in person!!
Great article - you have captured the essence and atmosphere of the match in Philly perfectly. I think we left a few Union fans a bit shell-shocked.
You must have been sitting - (er, standing!)near us behind the goal.
The match in Philly was the first time I've seen United live, so it was a treat to see the likes of Giggs and Scholes for the first, and possibly last time. Being amongst the United supporters in a makeshift Stretford End was just as good as the action on the pitch, and now I hope more than ever to someday make it to Old Trafford. The atmosphere in the subway station after the match reminded me of the videos I've seen of United and Chelsea supporters before the Champions League Final in Moscow, only a little more subdued, because I think the few Union supporters scattered about were exactly as Sunny said, shell-shocked. But overall, it was a great experience to enjoy with United supporters from America and abroad, so thanks to the native Mancunians that gave us a taste of Old Trafford.
Post a Comment