Visit to Old Trafford

         The summer of 2008 was a wonderful summer for one major reason; I got to go to Scotland and England.  It was the second time I would be going to Scotland but the first time to England.  The trip was a vacation but was also a opportunity for my soccer team to play teams in Scotland and England.  The trip started in Scotland where we stayed outside of Glasgow.  We played Kilmarnock and took tours of Rangers and Celtic’s facilities.  It was nice but I wanted to head south towards England to visit Old Trafford.  I had been so eager the whole trip to take this tour and was counting down the days.  That morning I sprung out of my bed in anticipation.  We got on the bus but very shortly got lost in the city of Manchester.  To say I was nervous was the biggest understatement of all time.  Luckily a police officer guided us outside of the city to the stadium.

            That moment I saw the stadium was a moment I would never forget.  It was beautiful and I rushed over to the entrance to get the tour started.  The tour guide was a corny guy but I really wasn’t listening I was in awe.  He took us to the locker room where my heroes prepared for every game.  They had face cut outs to indicate which locker belonged to which player.  I sat where Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Edwin Van Der Sar and so many of my idols sit.  It was truly something I would never forget and to this day is one of the greatest moments of my life.  I didn’t think it could get any better until we headed to the tunnel.  We lined up like the teams do and marched out of the tunnel towards the pitch.  The sun glistened on the grass and I took in the true size of the stadium.  Walking down the sideline towards the bench was surreal and then sitting on the bench just felt so right.  It was a great day for me and I am eager to get back to Old Trafford.

Pray for Muamba

This particular post does not pertain to Manchester United but was a seriously sad moment.  On Saturday during the FA match between Bolton and Tottenham, Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed.  He was not around any other players and fell to the ground.  People instantly knew this was a serious injury and medical members immediately rushed to his aid.  It was later revealed that his heart had stopped and was very ill.  A defibrillator was used to get his heart working again.  The stadium was filled with silence with players and fans all praying for the survival of Muamba.  Muamba was rushed to the hospital and was put into the intensive care unit.  The game was abandoned because of the emotional stress put on all the players. 

            Prayers and support from all over Europe came in for support of Muamba.  Twitter was filled with thousands wishing for the best for Muamba.  Before Manchester United’s game with Wolves the teams gathered in a minute of applause of Muamba.  Real Madrid in Spain wore shirts during their pregame warm-up to pray for Muamba.  Former teammate Gary Cahill pulled up his jersey after he scored with a shirt reading “Pray 4 Muamba.”  Many players including Jermaine Defoe, Ashley Cole and Johan Djourou visited Muamba in the hospital.  It is truly amazing and heart warming to see so many people come together to support a person who is gravely ill.  People have put aside rivalries and the game aside to come together as one in support.  Players and fans have realized how important life is and understand the game is nothing compared to it.  I am truly proud to be a soccer fan and see the community come together in support.

  

           The most recent news has Muamba speaking and doing very well.  Doctors say he is not out of the woods quite yet and is still in serious condition.  Please pray for Fabrice Muamba and a speedy recovery. 

Back on Top

After the fixtures this past weekend United reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League after a 2-0 win over West Brom.  United have not tasted first place since October and with their current domestic league form it will be hard to dethrone the reining English champions.  The only contender to United for the championship is their archrival Manchester City.  United overtook them at the end of the weekend as City fell to Swansea 1-0.  As the standings are now, both teams have ten games remaining and City trails United by one point.  Many believe that United have the easier schedule remaining but what we have learned from this season nothing is predictable.  Every game is a tough match and most not be taken easily.  United have performed well in the league but need to maintain focus.  They can’t afford to have another slip up like they had against Blackburn losing 3-2.  City have a quality squad with plenty of depth and will keep the pressure on United and Sir Alex has to keep his team rolling.  The decider for most will come April 30^th when United visit the Etihad to face City.  The three points that are on the line in this game could decide which part of Manchester celebrates in May.  It will be a hard fought match with neither team ever admitting defeat until the end.  The last visit United had to City was in early January in the FA Cup.  It was a thrilling tie that saw United come out victorious with a 3-2 win.  United can carry in the confidence they have with their domestic form and from defeating City only two months ago.  The match is weeks away and by then the title could be almost clinched and this game could be meaningless but I feel like this game will decide it.  I have a gut feeling United will grab a late winner and will at the end of the season lift their 20^th English Title.