A Wish Realised - Old Trafford

Posing at the iconic statue of Old Trafford

GLORY GLORY MANCHESTER UNITED !!!!!

Never in his wildest dream that he would be standing outside the stadium of his favourite team - Manchester United aka Old Trafford. The bonus was to watch a game in it. As Aqil, one of the ladies' friends, had a season pass and he was occupied on the day of the match, the ticket was passed to Ikram. He took it willingly and eagerly even though he had to go alone ... Europe League match - Manchester United vs St. Etienne. He was among the thousands of supporters, cheering as one and basking in the stadium's aura. It was an unbelievable, fantastic, the peak of his visit ...  the stadium was only a few minutes walk from the Ismahan"s house. How convenient. He cheered along with the rest of the crowd when ManU scored three goals against St. Etienne's one. What a euphoric experience!!!

There were police on horses on duty outside the stadium

The fans came in red ....

Watching the game as one - no race, religion or status barrier - united

Ikram said it was quite orderly getting into the stadium 

Besides Old Trafford (Ikram was a ManU fan since his school days) they also took him around to visit eight other stadiums. He also visited  :-
1. Anfield Stadium    -  Liverpool
2. Etihad Stadium      -- Manchester City
3. Goodieson Park Stadium  -  Averton Club, Liverpool
4. Emirates Stadium   -  Arsenal
5. Wembley Stadium  -  National Stadium
6. Stamford Beach Stadium   -  Chelsea
7. White Hart Lane Stadium  -  Tottenham
8. Olympic Stadium  -  Westham

He was a football fan. He enjoyed and played the game albeit for fun. He played physically and virtually. He was still basking in the excitement and elation of being one with the fans of Manchester United. Who knows this could very well the subsequent of many more games to be watched ....