Manchester United Women’s Vs Chelsea Women’s

 

Matchday 56 – As a Liverpool fan, attending a match at Old Trafford wasn’t exactly on my bucket list. However, I found the perfect opportunity to experience the stadium as an away fan by watching the last match of the Women’s Super League (WSL) season. This wasn’t just any match—it was a title decider. Both Chelsea and Manchester City Women entered the final game level on points, with Chelsea holding a two-goal advantage. The stakes were high, promising an electrifying encounter.

Uncle Deano joined us for this journey. We set out early, catching a train from Sandwell and Dudley to ensure we were on time for our 10:30 CrossCountry train from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly. As always, the staff were hospitable, and it was nice to reconnect since leaving the company about six weeks ago.

We arrived in Manchester about 15 minutes late due to some disruption, but I had planned for such delays, giving us three hours to spare. This allowed us to relax and enjoy the journey. Once in Manchester, we hopped on a tram to Old Trafford, stopping by McDonald’s for a cold refreshment due to the heat. This matchday turned out to be the hottest of our challenge so far, with temperatures soaring over 20 degrees.

The tram journey was straightforward, costing just over £5 for a family return ticket. Unfortunately, the tram broke down one stop before Old Trafford, resulting in a 20-minute walk to the stadium. It was easy to find our way, simply following the stream of supporters.

As we approached the ground, a ring of security guards conducted extensive bag checks. Once inside, we took a leisurely stroll around the stadium, picking up a matchday scarf and a program. We also visited the poignant Munich Tunnel memorial, honoring those lost in the Munich Air Disaster.

After exploring, we headed to our entrance, where a large queue had formed for another round of bag checks. While I appreciate the need for security, the process seemed excessive, and I saw people with bags similar to mine being denied entry. Once through, we headed to the toilets and then to our seats.

We entered the stadium about an hour before kick-off, and the atmosphere was already building. Our view was impressive, though the state of the roof indicated that Old Trafford could use some renovations to match its reputation. Throughout the game, Manchester United fans were notably quiet, while Chelsea supporters were loud and spirited.

The match itself was a spectacle, with Chelsea dominating Manchester United 6-0, going into halftime with a 4-0 lead. Despite Manchester City beating Aston Villa 2-1, Chelsea secured the WSL title for a record fifth consecutive time, thanks to their superior goal difference. The post-match celebrations were incredible, with Chelsea players and fans reveling in their triumph.

Conscious of potential train cancellations, we hurried out of the ground to catch the 18:03 train back. We managed to squeeze onto a packed tram and arrived at Manchester Piccadilly with five minutes to spare. The journey home was relaxed, and we opted to alight at Wolverhampton, catching a late-running train back to Sandwell and Dudley.

Overall, it was an incredible match to cap off an amazing first season of our journey to complete the 92, with this being the 55th ground completed in just eight months. Stay tuned for an end-of-season blog highlighting our achievements and experiences.

5 Facts About Old Trafford

1. Historic Venue: Old Trafford, known as the “Theatre of Dreams,” has been the home of Manchester United since 1910.
2. Large Capacity: It is one of the largest football stadiums in the UK, with a seating capacity of approximately 74,000.
3. World War II Damage: The stadium was heavily bombed during World War II, leading Manchester United to temporarily share Maine Road with Manchester City.
4. Memorable Matches: Old Trafford has hosted numerous significant matches, including World Cup games in 1966, Euro 96 matches, and Champions League finals.
5. Munich Tunnel: The stadium features a memorial tunnel dedicated to the victims of the Munich Air Disaster, a tragic event in 1958 that deeply impacted the club.