A visit to remember for Vanessa (front row, second from right) and fellow Malaysian fans of Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Sarawak supporter watches Manchester United live at Theatre of Dreams
Vanessa John could not hide her excitement when she finally stepped into Old Trafford Stadium, home ground of English football giant Manchester United.
Before that, she had only seen the stadium, dubbed the Theatre of Dreams, on television in her living room in Kuching, Sarawak.
Now, not only can Vanessa proudly say that she has been to Old Trafford, but she can also tell everyone that she has watched in person an English Premier League game.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have finally visited Old Trafford.
“It is a dream come true to see the stadium. And to also feel the atmosphere in person,” she said.
“Being in such an iconic place, which has hosted so many football legends and historic matches, felt surreal.
“Joining the chants and feeling the energy of the crowd was unforgettable. I am so grateful it finally happened,” said Vanessa.
The Sarawakian was among a group of 11 lucky Man United Malaysian fans who had the time of their lives watching the Red Devils live in Manchester.
Led by United Malaysia president Batholomew Jingulam, the 11 fans witnessed the 20-time English champions in action against West London team Chelsea at Old Trafford.
United Malaysia is the country’s official Man United fan club.
Vanessa was one of the fans who won the all-expenses paid trip, with hers coming via a lucky draw at a dinner hosted in Kuching in June.
The event was organised by the Manchester United Supporters Club (MUSC) of Sarawak, which is affiliated to United Malaysia.
In what has become an annual tradition since 2011, the fan club has assisted more than 300 members to watch Man United matches at Old Trafford.
“Every year, we try to give back to our loyal supporters by organising a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Old Trafford,” said Batholomew.
“We hope it creates lasting memories for these fans who truly live and breathe the club.”
Vanessa expressed her gratitude to MUSC Sarawak president Datuk Dzulkarnaen Ahmad and Batholomew for enabling her to tick one item off her bucket list.
“I also deeply appreciate my family’s encouragement but above all, thank God for answering my prayers,” she said.
Before watching the match, the group went on a stadium tour, which left some of them visibly moved.
They may be life-long club supporters but once they learnt of Man United’s beginnings, successes, struggles and dark days like the 1958 Munich air disaster, they could not fight back the emotions.
Batholomew said this was one aspect that he wanted the members as well as all Man United fans to take to heart.
“Once you learn about the history, the good and the bad of our great club, then you will cherish it more, and be forever proud of supporting United,” he said.
“It’s not about the glory all the time but also showing character – how you pick yourselves up in the aftermath of utmost adversity and become great again.
“That is what Man United is all about,” he added.
