Manchester United in Malaysia!!!

Yes, its true. Manchester United came down to Malaysia several days ago and I was privileged enough to have been able to go to the Bukit Jalil Stadium to watch them =D Initially, me and my friends faced some pretty tough times before being able to obtain the tickets for the match. We were conned and only just one day before the match, we managed to get tickets (thank GOD!) =)

So enough of all that. I head to the stadium alone as my friends left earlier then me. It was a pretty long journey by train there (needing to switch trains). As predicted, the trains were jam packed with people. As I got to the station where I was suppose to switch trains, a sea of red was spotted as I exited the station. It was an interesting site. But no time for that. I fought my way through loads of people and managed to find a little spot in the train.

Reaching Bukit Jalil Stadium was a relief. "FRESH AIR!" I thought to myself =p And the amount of people I saw was simply amazing. Manchester United supporters were everywhere! Anyways, I took a nice stroll to my tickets entrance (sad to say, it was on the other side). I managed to do a little shopping as well =p Danny my good buddy was already in the stadium and wanted me to get him a horn and as I did, I saw someone selling the Malaysian national team jersey, and I got one (FINALLY). I got some drinks after that and made my way to the entrance.

In the stadium, the view of it was crazy. It was a sea of red around the whole stadium. I managed to reach in time and spotted Danny & Tania. They were kind enough to save me a seat too =D Our seats were pretty good, right behind the goal post. And, Manchester United were warming up at that area!!! =D

The match kicked off soon after and I had to say, it was a pretty good match indeed. I believe everyone would have thought the Malaysian team would be in for a real whooping (since they lost 6-0 the last time Manchester United came). But, they actually put up a real fight and matched United pretty well. But United were the ones who broke the deadlock after about 8 minutes into the match. Fan favorite, Wayne Rooney tapped in from close range after some lovely play from United. He soon turned provider and setup a superb ball for Nani to slot the ball in between the Malaysian keepers legs (he went on to do his trademark somersault =D). So the score was 2-0 after about half an hour into the match. But, an amazing thing happened just as extra time was being announced... Amri Yahyah made a superb lob which went over Dutch giant van der Sar and scoring Malaysia's first goal against United. Everyone was left stunned for a moment but the stadium erupted into a huge cheer for Yahyah. Half-time came shortly.

The second half kicked off and both sides were pretty much into the game. United replaced van der Sar with Ben Foster. But to the amazement of everyone, a bigger miracle came. Foster made huge mistake after a badly controlled back pass from Darren Gibson, allowing Amri Yahyah to pounce on his mistake and equalize for Malaysia! Who would have thought it was even possible for Malaysia to claw their way back into the game!?!?!? After that United went on to press for a winner but Malaysia were seeking to upset that as well. United were made to sweat and Sir Alex, made a string of changes bringing on the likes of Macheda, Giggs, Tosic, Wes Brown, Fabio and Michael Owen.

Then it came, a bitter blow to Malaysia in the 85th minute. After some pretty bad defending and an out of position goalkeeper, Michael Owen picked his spot and slotted home the winning goal (which was also his first goal for United). Full time came soon after with United winning 3-2 (who would have expected that scoreline). United players took a lap around the stadium and waved to fateful supporters in every corner. The final surprize of the evening came when Evra and Anderson leaped over the ad boards and walked towards the crowd, took off their jerseys and threw them into the crowd! (ARGH!!! and it wasn't even my section of the crowd!!! =p)

So a night of superb football and after a long wait to finally see Manchester United live came to an end. It will be an evening to remember and I for one will be waiting for the next time Manchester United arrives on the shores of Malaysia once again. Glory Glory Man. United!!!

Here are some pictures of the whole event... enjoy! =)

United players taking to the pitch and warming up.