At the hotel, I manage to sneak myself up to the poolside. Pretended to be the hotel guest while trying to spot some of the players. Saw Rene' Meulensteen, United's first team coach. Sat there reading the papers about the tour and thinking what has happened through-out my journey thus far. The Kuala Lumpur sky-line helps alot when dealing with this stuff. That’s why i love this city. Aside from the traffic of course
Made my way to the lobby when to my amazement I spotted no other than Sir Bobby Charlton ,a living Man United Legend alongside another legend Bryan Robson whom I met earlier. Went up to him and got his autograph and a picture and wanted a few words from him before the horde came. He told me ''this isn't gonna work out''. I understood what he meant and backed off. He looked kinda pissed but still he stood to sign autographs and photos. Don’t think he blame the fans but more of the lack of security. Anyway, thanks Sir Bobby for being such a sport and if you are reading this, it was an honor Sir.
Meet up with the my handlers and the Nike peeps. We got together for a ride to the big-game.Got into the car and off we went. Dealt with the traffic by thinking about the game and what might happen. Even a chat about movies and music between us emerged during the ride.A pparently my handlers are huge Placebo fans. Never heard any of their songs but according to them its the bomb. Haha.I will stick by the Gallagher brothers for my music anyday lads.
During the ride I got a confirmation that United will play a second game in Malaysia. Sweet! But i do feel for my Indonesian brothers in red though. They have waited years for this. Really sorry for you guys.
Reaching the stadium i could see hundreds of United fans walking to the stadium. I wouldn’t mind walking with them to the stadium as that was what I did exactly 9 years a go when the train station broke down and we had to walk a cool ten minutes to the stadium. Was trully a experience indeed at that time.
Walking towards the stadium entrance my heart pounds in excitement. Again i got a special entry towards the VIP section. Its good to have friends in high places man. HAHA.
As i walked into the stands I got to see a sight I would treasure for the rest of my life. A sea of RED filled the National Stadium cheering every players movement and kicks. Singing Glory-Glory Man United full with pride and joy. One bloke stood up while he was being filmed and he turned his back only to show an Owen 7 shirt to thunderous applause. Haha. Truly remarkable. Really beautiful that we Malaysians can enjoy football in peace and harmony together and cheer on our heroes at the same time.
When the announcer whom I think did one of the worse announcing jobs ever, (anyone who came to the game would understand what I mean), announced the players onto the pitch, the entire stadium erupted. We reserved most of our applause for the older lads like Neville, Scholes, Giggsy and the important one like Rooney and Rio. But I tell you, the one that really shook the stadium was the applause for our new NO.7 Michael Owen.
The match started off with United scoring first through my fav player Wayne Rooney. The crowd were all on their feet in excitement and chants of 'ROONEY,ROONEYROONEY'' could be clearly heard from where I was seating.
United continued to press forward and Nani scored the second with a terrific counter attack. My cousin was talking to me earlier about what if he scored, would he do the back flip. He did it and it made my cousin’s day whom is also a Die Hard Red Devil. Cheers DJ.
Malaysia really didn’t threaten much until that second goal when they decided to really push. And my god .Mohammed Amri Yahya. Take a bow son. What a goal. Every Malaysian stood up and cheered that goal. Magnificient volley. Later on the crowd including myself began cheering for both United and our national side .It all paid off
when Yahya got his second after the interval. Boy,this guy was really on a roll.Mistake by foster and he was there to pounce. Malaysia Boleh chants began to get louder and I was joining in the fun.
Michael Owen and Giggsy began warming up at the sides and even that got the crowd all excited. When they were brought into the match, they were greeted by massive cheers especially for our new man Owen. United and Malaysia continued pressing on and Michael Owen eventually netted his first ever United goal on his debut. WOW.The crowd roared even louder!.
The game ended 3-2 to United, but for the first time ever I will tip my hat off to our national side for that brilliant display. Well done lads. You made us proud.
I thought United played well too and players like Fabio, Tosic and Macheda had a good run out. What a day. Long and tiring but worth every sweat.
After the medal presentation the players did a lap of honor. What a dream. I got to see the worlds best players up close strutting their stuff in the colours of the greatest team in the world.
Leaving the stadium was one of the hardest things I had to do in awhile. I never wanted to leave. I sat in the car on the ride back reminiscing of my entire journey .Everything from the day I won the competition to be the Nike reporter to the match.
I would like to thank my handlers and the Nike personnel for all their help in providing me with everything I need throughout my journey. Joe, my favourite Singaporean San and May San, And also to all the people
at Manchester United, the staff,players and legends I have met. Thank your very much. Thanks for sparing your time for this boy from KL who grew up looking up to Man United.
Thank You Nike and Manchester United.
For the love of the game. Till the next time. Forever United
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