Sport360’s Brendon Netto was invited on a trip by Marriott Hotels to enjoy the Manchester United experience and attend their Premier League match with Liverpool on October 20…
A trip to Old Trafford to take in the latest chapter of English football’s classic rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is a sensational experience in itself.
But the Manchester club’s partnership with Marriott International took this excursion last month to a whole new level.
A club of United’s stature and magnitude would be forgiven in being reserved, particularly in their dealings with media personnel. A valued affiliation with Marriott, however, seemed to open a few doors…
BEHIND THE SCENES
The first night featured a dinner interaction with former players Park Ji-Sung and Wes Brown in a casual setting at The Ivy Spinningfields though a round of Q & A was slotted in.
Brown joined United as a 10-year-old but recalls the first moment he thought he might not make it as a professional footballer.
“After two-three years of quick progression I was training with the first team. The whole time I was thinking, ‘I’m going to be a footballer.’ Then I played against Mark Hughes who was one of the toughest players. He was a senior pro at the time and I came off the training pitch thinking, ‘I’m not going to be a footballer.’ He absolutely battered me everywhere.”
Park Ji-Sung and Wes Brown.
Park and Brown also received us at one of Marriott’s executive boxes at Old Trafford on matchday. The game itself was enthralling and we were even treated to a pitch-side walk an hour before kick-off where we were greeted by another United legend in Gary Pallister.
The best access was provided on the eve of the encounter with Liverpool though.
A trip to Carrington the day before the team’s biggest game of the season did not disappoint. We were welcomed by United legend Denis Law and former kit manager for over 20 years – Albert Morgan.
We then had the opportunity to go down to the pitches and briefly meet the first team before witnessing a portion of training.
We watched intently as the players were put through their paces – Axel Tuanzebe stood out during several drills – and were even treated to a surprise appearance from Sir Alex Ferguson.
After visiting the training centre, lunch was organised at Old Trafford’s Red Cafe before a guided tour of the historic stadium itself.
The group meets Manchester United’s first team.
FOOTBALL CITY
Home to one of the most storied teams in the world, it’s no surprise that Manchester, at its core, is a football city.
The evidence began stacking up at the airport itself. Having informed the immigration officer of my trade, she immediately guessed correctly that I was in the city for “the game” before sharing her inkling that United would manage to sneak a result.
Staying at the Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel on Water Street, the National Football Museum in Manchester city centre was only a short cab ride away and was one of our stops on day one.
Housing an extensive collection of football memorabilia, art, various interactive displays and even a few activities, any sport enthusiast could easily lose track of time within its walls.
The city as a whole seemed to have its game face on come matchday. An almost eerie silence blanketed Manchester early on Sunday with only a few people on the streets. But as morning turned to noon and the air grew heavier with anticipation, flashes of red began to appear with home supporters stepping out.
Even three whole hours before kick-off, there was a buzz around Old Trafford with fans gathering around the famous stadium like bees to honey.
Later that evening, red shirts were out in numbers as a well-earned draw called for some celebration.
Even in departing the city, its connection with football – and United – was inescapable. On the way to the airport, my driver revealed himself to be a lifelong United fan and one of the lucky few who was behind the goal at Camp Nou when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stabbed home a famous winner in the 1999 Champions League final. In recent years, he’s passed his season ticket onto his grandson.
At the airport itself, I was within earshot of multiple phone conversations describing the matchday experience and was only half-surprised by the amount of United merchandise at Duty Free.
And when waiting for my flight in the belief that I’d finally left football and United behind me, I returned to my seat in the lounge only to find the injured Luke Shaw occupying the neighbouring table ahead of a rehabilitation stay in Dubai.
SEAT OF DREAMS
The Seat of Dreams is the only concept of its kind to be found within a UK sporting stadium and represents Manchester United and Marriott Hotels’ commitment to engaging with fans in innovative ways.
It debuted on October 20 for the Manchester United vs Liverpool game. The Seat of Dreams gives fans at every game the chance to experience matchday from a unique and coveted vantage point in the stadium while enjoying special perks including complimentary food and drinks, early entry to the stadium, and the opportunity to meet some club legends.
The new addition to Old Trafford, is awarded to fans at random through a complimentary upgrade to their existing match ticket and will host four fans at every home game.
“The Seat of Dreams is our way of offering fans a one-of-a-kind experience when watching their beloved team,” said Mara Hannula, Vice President Brand Marketing for Marriott Hotels.
Manchester United’s Director of Partnerships, Sean Jefferson, added: “This is a truly unique opportunity for fans to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime matchday experience. Unlike anything else available in UK football, this has only been made possible due to Marriott Hotels’ expertise in creating a premium environment and accommodations.”
