From press to plush

deserve most of the credit, as the only question we could answer was 'which 1970s Red, the last of the Busby Babes, was dubbed the next George Best?' Answers on a postcard, then.

Ordinarily, a ManUtd.com journalist’s post-match experience is largely spent in front of a keyboard, summarising how the action unfolded and turning MUTV interviews into prose. But the only task our Matchday VIP experience required was to listen to Stapleton’s analytical encore, before applauding the winners of an earlier charity auction.

With the clock ticking on a memorable day, there was still time to have a photo taken with Fred the Red and the Barclays Premier League trophy, to show off to your friends and loved ones, before munching down on a platter of pies and cakes – perhaps tactically delivered to soak up any effects of the free bar!

As we exited the stadium to make our way home, feeling toasty, well fed and having avoided the infamous post-match traffic around Trafford Park, we saw a few cold-looking fans on the forecourt and the thought occurred: I could get used to this.

Find out more about  Matchday VIP hospitality packages available at the Theatre of Dreams.