“They’re ready to go to war for Erik ten Hag and the badge.”
That comment on Twitter perfectly sums up our viral phone footage that showed Casemiro and the Reds celebrating our late equaliser at Chelsea with an ecstatic away end.
The video is still trending around the world on social media as supporters pore over the many amazing details: Casemiro screaming with delight, Diogo Dalot losing his mind, Bruno Fernandes punching the air and, best of all, Lisandro Martinez climbing into the crowd to embrace a fan.
Yes, the goal only secured us a point in the Premier League, but it was a significant moment and one that highlighted the never-say-die attitude that is blossoming once again at United. Such passionate scenes are indicative of the spirit that Ten Hag is cultivating among his ever-improving squad.
It was also a priceless moment for our magnificent fans who made the journey to Stamford Bridge as part of an away end that was reduced at late notice. Notably, our players gave their own personal tickets back to the club so that more supporters could attend the game on Saturday night.
In case you haven’t seen the footage yet, you can watch it below…
THE MAN BEHIND THE CAMERA
United is an international club with millions of fans and not everybody can make it to the stadium, which is where our media team comes in - we capture footage that makes it feel like you’re there.
At home and away, we have social media editors who are strategically positioned at pitchside in a deliberate effort to film moments like Casemiro’s goal against Chelsea. Cameron Watters was that person at Stamford Bridge and, as he explains, it's a privilege to be in such positions.
“It’s always amazing to have the opportunity to capture content pitchside but this moment was on another level,”
he explains.
“With the uncertainty for that split-second of whether the ball had crossed the line or not and then the explosive celebrations, plus the relationship between the players and the fans, it was just incredible.
“I was fortunate to be in such a good position and so close to the action, which allowed me to get so immersed in the celebrations without interrupting the scenes between the players and the fans. That’s the most important part and to capture that was class.
“Once the celebrations had finished, I started capturing the fans as they were in loud voice and absolutely buzzing, but I knew straight away how good the clip was. The screams from Casemiro, Antony, Bruno, plus seeing Martinez and McTominay in the crowd with the fans – wow.
“After the game I saw Bruno coming over as he was on his way to the team bus. I thought I’d show him the clip of the celebrations and his part in them too. He was just smiling and laughing at the scenes and then David De Gea was joking with him about it too, which was really nice to see.
“It’s been great to see such a massive reaction on social media. It’s important to capture content like this, especially the connection between the players and the fans. Not everyone can get to games so it's important for us to be able to capture those moments and be right amongst it.
“I think it allows more fans to feel as though they are there, or at least it enables them to witness the atmosphere and celebrations that the broadcast footage doesn’t get.”
Let's hope there are more viral moments when United are next in action, against Sheriff at Old Trafford on Thursday night.