Manchester United : Fenerbahçe Istanbul

The draw of the Europa League meant well with us and so Manchester United had a home game during our stay. And thanks to the not so great popularity of the competition in England, it was also very easy to secure tickets for this game.
As an opponent waited Fenerbahe Istanbul in whose ranks also plays the ex-ManU star Robin van Persie.

As preparation for the game, they visited the National Football Museum in which, in addition to the history of soccer in England itself, also the World Cup - in particular, of course, the title victory of England in 1966 - is illuminated. Since the entrance to this museum free is it should actually be on the program of each football-enthusiastic visitor to the city.

Since we had enough time we decided to walk in the direction of Old Trafford up. Since the stadium is located directly on the Bridgewater Canal was the orientation also not so difficult. In scarcely 30 minutes one had arrived so at the stadium. The second largest stadium in England (or the largest outside of London as one announces it gladly) emerges then all at once before one and makes already a strong impression.

The area around the stadium was also already well filled and the few pubs burst from all seams. Since it was quite an advantage that one lived in the city in the Premier Inn . Because also next to the stadium was a hotel of the same chain represented. And so one came actually without difficulties in the associated pub to tune there with a few cold drinks on the game.

The season has so far been rather sluggish for Manchester. Nevertheless, some regulars were spared and some young kickers used. That was at the beginning also correspondingly tough and also Boga showed little to not on - one could also say he played grottig. So finally a penalty was necessary, which in the 31st minute Paul Pogba dry Verwertete. The goal did the team more than good, because suddenly everything ran loose from the hand. Just 3 minutes later there was again penalty, which this time Anthony Martial verwandelte. Manchester continued to press and the now compared to the beginning strongly playing up Pogba put virtually at the break with a dream goal on 3:0.

Also from the break ManU came back furiously and already after 3 minutes put Jesse Lingart on 4:0. We thought already that it would end now in a shooting match, but the necessary pressure of ManU decreased somewhat. Although some chances were still played out, and especially the substitute Wayne Rooney wanted to make his goal, but another goal for Manchester should no longer fall.

On the other hand, however, it still came to a goal success of Robin van Persie, who in the 83rd minutes dry dusted. Thanks to his services to United - and probably also thanks to the score - there was a standing ovation for the Dutchman's goal. At the deserved success, however, this goal did not change anything and Manchester could finally cheer once again about a sense of achievement.

And while after the game the masses squeezed into the buses or the train, we took again the slightly lit footpath next to the Bridgewater Canal back to the city center. A beer stand on the way would still have been an advantage, but you don't want to grumble.... ;-)