How United found fervent support in stormy Columbia

However, on Saturday evening, fans of Manchester United and Liverpool flocked in their droves to the Williams-Brice Stadium, a monolithic arena usually bedecked in the ‘garnet and black’ of hometown NCAA side, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

Coming from a British perspective, it’s equal parts astounding and commendable that tens of thousands of people come and sit on elementally exposed bleachers to cheer on amateur college athletes, with facilities for players, press and punters easily comparable to most European soccer stadia.

But they’re clearly sports-mad in these parts: someone told me it’s the US state with the most interest in the Premier League, per capita.

Whether that fact is true or not – or even really measurable - the Reds were received rapturously from the moment we touched down in the Palmetto State on Friday evening, local time.

People bedecked in various United jerseys from over the years – red, white, black, blue; Rashford, Rooney, Scholes too – hung around in the hotel to glimpse their heroes and the enthusiasm could not be dampened by the malign threat of sultry summer storms, as Saturday progressed.

The crackle of thunder and the flash of lightning permeated the skies throughout the early afternoon and the downpour that had been threatening for hours finally pummelled the green grass and concrete concourses at 17:30, just as those who had faithfully queued in oppressive heat were being allowed in.

We see our fair share of rain in Manchester, but this was something else, and eyes were being kept on weather radars as kick-off crept closer – a local rule necessitates a clearing of the playing field for half an hour should a lightning bolt strike within eight miles of the venue.

Fortunately, that doomsday scenario did not come to pass. The rain eventually relented and the 22 starters marched on to the field at the allotted time, greeted by the usual pageantry of fireworks and the US national anthem.

Supporters were rewarded for their resilience as the two clubs played out an entertaining affair, which perhaps was not represented by the final scoreline, as we had more attempts on goal than our visitors, who nevertheless ran out 3-0 winners.

Apparently this locale is famous around the college football sphere for its raucous atmosphere and, although American fandom is different to what we’re familiar with throughout the domestic season, their passion and interest translated well, encouraged by further pyrotechnics, including a sensational half-time showing set to the music of Darude’s Sandstorm.

Autograph hunters waited, clutching Sharpies, in the post-match pouring rain, not knowing when they’d next have the opportunity to be within feet of their favourites.

Whether Premier League clubs will include Columbia alongside the likes of Los Angeles, Miami and New York in years to come remains to be seen – it’s not the most accessible of places, and the heat and humidity at this time of year will always increase the risk of storms.

But even if this is to be a one-off event, it’s a night that those who attended are unlikely to forget for a long while…

The opinions expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United.

WIN A TOUR 2024 MATCH BUNDLE

Following the third and final game of Tour 2024, presented by Snapdragon, we are giving fans around the world the chance to win an exclusive match bundle.

Enter your details now and you could bag an 2024/25 adidas home shirt, the new training range, Premium Membership, and an annual subscription for MUTV.