We awoke early this morning for the long drive to Manchester. Today Manchester United were entertaining Burnley, and we all hoped Utd could shake aside their recent bad form, and produce a world class performance, but it didn’t go quite according to plan..

My family and myself got into the car on a rainy morning, and set off for Manchester at around 8am. The roads were almost completely clear now from all the recent snow, although huge drifts still occupied the sides of the roads on higher ground. Much of it was soiled for all the dirt beginning to show through as the snow melted and departed.

There is always the sense of excitement that comes from a trip to Manchester. We don’t go there nearly enough, but it’s due to the long distance, as well as other commitments. We do try to go as often as we can though, to support our team. It is a great chance for the family to be all together again, and to enjoy a fun day out, whatever the result. Although a bad result would end up in a silent trip back home.

We neared the midlands where we acquired the last family member, my brother, and set off on the final part of the journey into Manchester. Incredibly, we had a clear run all the way today, as this never happens, and we arrived very early indeed, having left home a little later than we had planned. The roads were relatively clear of all traffic, so we were able to find a good match day parking space at a very good price.

We proceeded to have our lunch before joining the steady flow of people moving towards the ground, and used the time we had to walk around the Utd store. I wasn’t after anything in particular, although I’m always on the lookout for an impulse buy. I came away with nothing as it happens this time around, but had an idea or two for a birthday present for myself.

It was time to find our seats in the ground, and to prepare ourselves for what we hoped would be a good game of football, with plenty of goals for Man Utd of course. I will always remember the first time I stepped out onto the terraces to witness the atmosphere and the sights of Old Trafford, from many years ago, and even today it brings a big smile to my face. We had seats at the top of the South Stand, and found ourselves looking down on the miniature people below us on the field, and not for the first time either. But you can usually figure out who is who by their posture, and the way they move, each player having their own unique way.

The game started and we were full of hope. The minutes ticked on, and we found ourselves watching a performance akin to that of many games of late. There was a lack of creativity, no spark, and the ball was given away far too many times, with key players under-performing. We had hoped the recent break would have done the players some good, but there was no evidence of that as yet. Half time came and we felt a little disappointed so far.

The second half began, much like the first half, and we wondered if we would even win at all. Chelsea were on a mission, and were already 4:0 up at half time, so we had to win. Liverpool had thrown away 2 points to finish level at 1:1, much to the delight of the stadium in Manchester. It wasn’t looking good at this point for us. Then out of nothing, the goal came. Berbatov was the scorer, and it was hard to tell how he scored, being at the opposite end of the stadium, but we were 1:0 up, much to the relief of the Utd faithful.

2 more goals in the second half secured the win, and we felt a lot happier. Wayne Rooney netted one, the other coming from new boy Mame Biram Diouf on his home debut. With a much better performance all round in the second half, and 3 points in the bag, we could all leave the ground confident that things are beginning to get better at Old Trafford. Unfortunately, Chelsea netted 7 times to show there is no sign of any troubles with them. It could get very interesting from here on in I think.

It was the usual nightmare to get out of Manchester after the game, but once on our way, the roads cleared nicely for us. The rain still lashed down, and continued to for the remainder of the journey, but this didn’t trouble us. We were happy for the win, and for having a great day, as we always seem to when we are all together. A great day all round, cheers guys