MUSC Longford @ Old Trafford 25/26 Vol2: Xmas Edition

As MUSC Longford take in our 3rd trip of the season this weekend, with Fulham's visit to the Theatre of Dreams, we take a look back at our last trip, an 8 goal thriller versus Bournemouth, which was in the middle of a busy and disappointing Xmas period for United. 

While the mood is a lot more optimistic and upbeat now following the chaotic ever-changing managerial merry-go-round at the club, it was less so in the run up to the December trip for the visit of draw specialists Bournemouth.

Coming off the back of 2 draws and a win away from home, a defeat and a draw at home ourselves it was safe to say our home form was far less than impressive!

On the Monday night prior to the Bournemouth match however we did record an impressive result, scoring 4 on the road, albeit against bottom side Wolves and after a largely poor first half. 

The match itself versus Bournemouth was highly entertaining with another 4 goals scored only to be matched by the freescoring Cherries. The failure to hold onto leads costing us dearly yet again meaning another 2 points dropped.

More downs than ups followed and it was no surprise the manager and his tactics were once more called into question given the rest of the results over the Xmas period, 1 away loss, 1 home win and 2 more draws (1 to close a disastrous 2025 & 1 to start off the new year), farewell Mr. Amorim...

Bringing it back to our trip to Old Trafford in mid-December, Our Supporters Club enjoyed plain sailing to Holyhead followed by a smooth journey to Bury in great time as usual by the best bussie in the business, Mr. John Grogan.

Getting checked in and sorted early Saturday afforded some of our travelling members a trip to Turf Moor to see Burnley take on Fulham who are coincidently our opponents this weekend, a game in which the away side came away with a 3-2 victory.

A 3-2 away win at Turf Moor would have been a great result for the new stand in United manager at the time, Darren Fletcher, for his first game in charge but it wasn't to be. In fairness there were some big plus points as Fletcher's side created lots of chances in an attacking game straight from Fergie's playbook, taking lots of risks, getting lots of service to the front man, cross after cross from the wingers, a midfield maestro picking out some pinpoint passes and 2 great finishes with the only thing letting us down some less than desirable defending and another disappointing draw.

Another Monday night kick-off gave members a quiet day on Sunday for rest/relaxation or pints and darts. 

A dull day outside was brightened up by a colourful character at the hotel bar, some of the other hotel guests had to rub their eyes as they thought they were in the presence of darts legend Peter Wright. While the man in question didnt get that contract with Winmau he was asked if he was interested in some lookalike work for the hotel's Christmas parties that were in full swing...
 

Our club trips just before Christmas are always popular with members and this one was no exception. 45 eager souls signed up.

Unfortunately the television companies dictate the fixture scheduling, and this game originally a Saturday 3:00 PM kick off was moved to 8:00 PM Monday night. This posed a logistical nightmare for Kevin and Nicola, it gets worse, due to work and family commitments our numbers dwindled to 28.

Setting off on the Saturday morning we arrived at our hotel mid afternoon. Loads of time to kill, the game was not until Monday night. some went on a stadium tour, more went to Bury to sample the nightlife and some availed of the excellent darts facilities in the hotel.

Our scheduled return sailing was fixed for 2:40 AM so we would be heading for Holyhead straight after the game. However we received confirmation, on the morning of the game, that our Irish Ferries sailing had been brought forward to 1:30 AM due to ongoing issues at the ferry port. Would we make the ferry? What if we didn't? Kevin and Nicola were brilliant as usual, making calls, looking at alternatives.

Getting to the ground early meant we were at the top of the queue of coaches to get away as soon after the game as possible. Anyone familiar with match day traffic around Old Trafford will know that the traffic is as slow as a tortoise with a limp.

To the game, a classic for the neutral & the TV audience but a roller coaster of emotions for us. United started brightly and Diallo give us a deserved and welcome lead on 13. We continued to dominate but failed to add a second and were punished for our wasted chances on 40 when Semenyo swept home an equaliser. With people already heading for a half time cuppa or stronger, Casemiro (45 + 4) gave us a deserved lead. 

We looked forward to kicking on in the second-half but, with fans still taking their seats, Evanilson (46) made it 2 all. The half time break had broken our momentum and errors crept in. Tavernier on 52 gave Bournemouth a 3-2 lead. At least we continued to create chances but our finishing was lacking. 

A blockbuster Fernandes free kick on 77 brought the stadium to their feet in admiration & adulation. Barely had we retaken our seats when another swift counter attack led to Cunha sweeping the ball home on 79. The noise was deafening, surely we would kick on and see this out. Our optimism was short lived, lax defending allowed Kroupi on 84 to make the game 4 all. More late chances would ensue but not a winner.

Now for the race to Holyhead. We got moving as soon as possible and when traffic thinned John got us to hollyhead just in the nick of time.

Back in Longford around 7:30 AM on Tuesday morning, some had to head to work straight away.  

 I needed a liedown, What a weekend!

S. Gill, Club President

On the 15th Dec 28 supporters made the journey to old Trafford to see United play Bournemouth. 

On the boat a few decided to go to see Burnley play Fulham. A few beers were had in the Sean Dyche pub before the game. It passed a few hours and Fulham won 3-2. Bilal was in great voice after the game with karaoke. 

Then back to Bury for the night. The Sunday was spent with Christmas shopping and relaxing with a few meeting in town for a chat. Back at the hotel Peter Wright made a guest appearance at the dartboard Hawaiian shirt and all. 

Monday morning we readied ourselves for the match. A meet with kev in the bishops for a few then off to the game. It ended with a 4-4 entertaining draw which we should have won at home but again poor defending saw us drop 2 more points. Then it was straight onto the bus for the drive to the port just reaching with a half hour to spare. 

We arrived back in Longford after a night's travel around 7am. It was unfortunate the game was switched to a Monday night and for those who didn't travel definitely missed out on a memorable weekend. A special word of thanks to John Grogan who pulled out all the stops to get us home on time. 

Roll on the Fulham trip!

P. Carberry, MUSC Longford Chairman

So the weekend started with a phone call from Kevin at 05.05 asking where I was and to "get my arse in gear quick.
This set the tone for the usual slagging and gheeing for the weekend.

When we got on the ferry we had a few pints and I'll be waiting a long time for Padraig Carberry to put his hand in his pocket to buy a round.

While in PCs company we came up with a mad random idea to book tickets for Turf Moor to watch Burnley vs Fulham, it turned out to be a brilliant idea as PC, his family and I really enjoyed the change of scenery pitch side... "There's only 1 F in Fulham" was the chant that rang from the home end from the few Longford shams.

Sunday we had a quiet day but the evening time we spent 4 to 5 hours playing darts and having to tolerate Seamus Gills flamboyant colours from head to toe. Rumour has it his manager is still working on Events for Mr. Gill.

Monday was match day and we all were madly optimistic about a win.

We landed into Manchester and the atmosphere around the stadium wasn't hectic from fans who braved the cold damp conditions. Myself and Conor Carberry were interviewed by the "United stand" on our opinions on who we would play up front amorin in or out and how the game would go.

We headed for the Blaize for some pre match drinks and atmosphere which didn't fail. And got us in the humour for the game.

When we got to our seats the fans gave it there all as per usual and chanting and singing for 90 mins.

The result itself was very disappointing and the usual "we cant hold a lead" and "Attack Attack Attack" ringing out at stages.
Brunos goal on the 84th minute gave us alot of hope of bringing home 3 valuable points but Bournemouth had other ideas.

Walking out after the game I never felt as disappointed Walking to the bus.

It was my first trip in 3 years and the craic and banter was unbelievable which seems to be a trend when The Longford supporters attend Old Trafford.

Again Nicola and Kevin deserves the plaudits again for the "no stone unturned" attitude to ensure we arrive and get back safely and with lots of memories.

B. Moran 

 
Carrick had a baptism of fire with his first 2 games in charge, which turned out to be against the top 2 teams in the league and with a home derby victory and an away win at the Emirates he got us back up to fourth in the Premier League table and into contention for a European Spot.

It's no wonder the mood among supporters has shifted after the aforementioned results and another positive result on Sunday against Fulham will go a long way to getting us in the right frame to cement our top 4 status and get us back where we belong in the Champions League.

 GGMU