It was a night of heartbreak for the young local fans of the English Premier League giant Manchester United in the city on Tuesday.
Forsaking sleep, they assembled on the first floor of a coffee shop, a joint where the United’s matches are regularly screened for fans, to watch the team’s must-win match against the London outfit West Ham United (Hammers).
The match was almost a last-gasp attempt to guarantee a top-four finish in the league and qualification for the next season’s Champions League. Even before the start of the game, they were tense, thanks to their side’s largely insipid performance all season long.
The late-night fixture, originally scheduled for 12.15 a.m., was delayed by 45 minutes after the ManUtd’s team bus came under attack from raucous West Ham fans.
Poor show
Ten minutes into the kick-off, the fans’ worst fears came true, as the Hammers, drawing energy from the boisterous home fans drew first blood. An eerie silence swept across the hall. Things only went downhill in the first half. However, the second half proved to be a rollercoaster ride for the youngsters, as their team raised their game. But, Hammers prevailed in the end.
And, as the final whistle blew, they filled out in a hurry with disappointment writ large on their faces. “There goes the Champions League dream,” said Sandeep K.V., an avid United fan, and he perhaps read what was in everyone’s mind. Now, the fans are waiting for favourable results from other games to see their team through to the Champions League.
