Why Amorim did not applaud Man Utd fans after Arsenal victory
Reflections on a memorable FA Cup victory
A 7am alarm, a 9.05 train to Kings Cross, a 20.05 train back from Kings Cross and through the front door at 23.25.
Covering United away from Old Trafford means long days but also rewarding days. Being in attendance for Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie was a genuine buzz and, unlike the manic FA Cup quarter-final last season, I was pleased with my copy.
Myself, Tyrone Marshall and Rich Fay, formerly of this parish, practically spent the whole day together. We were on the same trains, sat next to each other in the Emirates press room and press box. Schleps are enjoyable when you’ve got good company.
We took the train to Kings Cross as the Piccadilly-Euston service was hit by industrial action. Rerouting to Leeds was a handy alternative and there were a few United fans on our train, cracking cans open not long after 9am.
A friend who was on a coach switched to gin and tonic for his celebratory journey back to Manchester. The strongest libation we had all day was coffee. We needed it for the first half. Not beyond that.
United players and supporters were a credit to their club on Sunday. Ruben Amorim said afterwards he felt a “connection” and it was undeniable.
You must have rewatched the game and you can relive some of our coverage. Here are the player ratings and here’s the raw post-match piece.
There is an exclusive on how close Harry Maguire came to not playing and what a call a ‘dust-settler’ the morning after the night before.
Amorim stops but is not stop-gap
There was a welcome party for United even when they landed at Manchester Airport just before 10pm on Sunday night.