Manchester United vs Aston Villa - The Chevrolet Experience

Chevrolet, Manchester United's official shirt sponsor from the 2014-15 season onwards, are incredible when it comes to interacting with the fans. 

I found this out myself a few months ago.

I got in touch with Chevrolet FC on Twitter - explaining that I travel from Northern Ireland to work at Manchester United, and they were extremely impressed.

I received a direct message from them, asking me would I like to go to Manchester to watch a game, rather than working.

I nearly broke the computer when I replied 'YES'. I almost squealed a little too!

I had never actually been able to watch a live game at Old Trafford, as I was too busy working at them! So I was extremely excited to be able to finally go to Old Trafford, and get to be a spectator rather than an employee.

However, I was originally offered the Southampton game at the end of January - but I was unavailable. I was then offered the game against Aston Villa on 22nd April, so I accepted it.

Now, for those of you who don't know, I have four older brothers and a father who are major, major Manchester United fans. So logically, I asked them individually if any of them wanted to accompany me to the game, and their response was 'It's only the Aston Villa game, we'll have won the league by then'.

They were going to rue that decision they made!!

So, the only person left that I could possibly bring with me, was my Mum. Exciting eh? Not. 

It was a blessing in disguise though, as it was an early birthday present for my Mum!

So, I booked our flights and hotel, and we flew in to Manchester on the morning of the 22nd April. 

As we got off the plane, we walked towards the exits, when I seen a man holding a sign with 'Mairead McMahon'. 

'Good morning Mairead, I'm Gary. I'll be your chauffeur for today'. RESULT!

Gary brought us to our hotel, and we dropped our luggage off - and headed out for the morning to the Trafford Centre. We also took a quick visit to Old Trafford to take some photos. After a bit of retail therapy, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the game.

The famous #MaireadOnTour flag!

At 4-45pm, our chauffeur was waiting outside, with a representative of Chevrolet called Hayley. They drove us to Old Trafford, and we were escorted in to the Sir Alex Ferguson stand, and to the Platinum Lounge.

We met two men, Vijah and Hugo, who were sat at our table along with us. 

Before we went upstairs, I heard an Irish accent in the distance, and spotted DENIS IRWIN! He came over to my mum and I straight away! He was happy to pose for photos. 

Starstruck after meeting Denis Irwin!

So, after meeting the greatest Left-Back Manchester United has ever had, we made our way to the Platinum Lounge. What an amazing place to dine! It was superb!

Not only was Denis Irwin there with us, but Andy Ritchie was in the Lounge as well! He was also delighted to take photos with my mum and I.

With Andy Ritchie & Denis Irwin

We were treated to a five course meal, before we left the Lounge to take our seats. They were leather seats by the way, and the best seats in the house!

Our view from the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand

As we took our seats, we apprehensively awaited kick-off, and what seemed like only seconds later - GOOOAAALLL!! OH ROBIN VAN PERSIE!!! What a start! 

The atmosphere was incredible, and the fans were chanting like crazy! And once again - GOOOAAALLL! ROBIN VAN PERSIE again!!

After the second goal, the game seemed to cool down a bit, but not long after - GOOOAAALLL!! ROBIN VAN PERSIE HATRICK!! Was this actually happening??

3-0 at half time! Surely game-over. 

Mum and I went back in to the Platinum Lounge at half-time, and we were served cheese and biscuits. Yum!

We again took our seats, and got ready for the second half. The famous #MaireadOnTour flag made another appearance!

After a quiet second-half, the final whistle blew - and we were CHAMPIONS!! Title number 20, and the party had only just started!

'We are the champions', was blasted around the stadium, as the players provided a lap of honour. 

Lap of honour

Once the players had finished their lap of honour, and headed for the dressing room, it was time for us to celebrate in the Lounge! 

Denis Irwin and Andy Ritchie encouraged everyone to get up and celebrate, by chanting and dancing to 'You're Not 19 Forever'!

After about an hour of celebrating in the lounge, we decided to head back to the hotel - but not before we received gifts; two sets of cuff-links, and two superb hard-back writing books. We were also given two amazing Chevrolet goody bags - with a Manchester United t-shirt, USB pen, cap, key-ring, and much more!

We headed back to the hotel, again Gary was our chauffeur, and Hayley came along too. They were the most amazing people we have ever met, and they deserve a lot of credit for the hard work they do with Chevrolet.

We had the most amazing time ever, thanks to Chevrolet, and we will never forget what they did for us! 

Many thanks, Mairead and Mum Anne! :)

P.s. My four brothers and my dad totally regretted the decision not to accept my offer!! Haha!

My third shift - Manchester United vs Real Madrid

5th March 2013 - the night every Manchester United fan had been waiting for. 

The second leg of the last sixteen tie against Real Madrid in the Champions League. The first leg finished 1-1 at the Bernabeu, with Manchester United scoring a crucial away goal.

Not only this, it was the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford, after a world-record transfer to Real Madrid, over three years ago.

On Monday 4th March, I left my house in Lurgan, Northern Ireland - and traveled to the airport to board my flight to Manchester. After arriving in Manchester, I met up with a friend whom I had met at London 2012, and was able to stay at hers for the night. 

When it was time to leave for my shift, I hopped on the tram and made my way to Old Trafford. The stadium looked amazing as I arrived.

My brother was also going to the match that evening, as a fan of course, so I met up with him for a while outside Old Trafford before I started my shift.

My brother Shane, and I

Once I had finished seeing my brother, I checked-in, received my uniform, and headed towards the Red Café.

For anyone who has ever visited Old Trafford and the Red Café, they may have seen an entrance to some hospitality boxes, just before the entrance to the Café. Due to the magnitude of the game against Real Madrid, that meant there were major sporting figures using the hospitality boxes that night.

In the middle of my shift, I felt a little light-headed, so I decided to take a walk.

I ended up walking past the hospitality boxes, and I bumped into a small, stocky man - who was extremely familiar.

I had just walked past DIEGO MARADONA!!!

Not only that, I also bumped in to Robbie Savage and Steve McManaman. Amazing!

At the end of an extremely controversial game, the result didn't go our way, and I decided to try and see the players before I left Old Trafford.

There was an incredible amount of people waiting for the players to come out - but the majority of the players went straight to their cars, with the exception of Chicarito, who happily signed autographs.

When the Real Madrid players began to filter out, everyone was waiting for the special one - No, not Mourinho; Cristiano Ronaldo.

When he eventually came out, the screams from fans were incredible, and I even got to touch his hand!

However, once he had jumped on the team coach, the fans began to disperse. And when most of the crowd had gone, Eric Steele and Tony Strudwick appeared, and they were happy to pose for a photo!

With Eric Steele, Goalkeeping Coach

With Tony Strudwick, Fitness Coach

My second shift - Manchester United vs West Ham - FA Cup

My second shift for Manchester United was a midweek game against West Ham in the FA Cup. This game was a replay, after Robin van Persie scored a superb injury time equaliser in the first tie between the two sides.

So again, I headed off from the hostel to Old Trafford. 

To my surprise when I arrived to get my uniform and check in, I was told that I was not working in the Red Café, but in the Stretford Suite!

I made my way to the suite, extremely excited about the game, and apprehensive about working in the Stretford Suite, after getting used to the Red Café!

When I arrived, I was overwhelmed by the suite; it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. The view of the Old Trafford pitch was absolutely incredible!

The view from the Stretford Suite

Because I had not worked in the the Stretford Suite before, I was given the job of 'runner' for the night.

Before my shift started, we had to complete a number of role-play exercises, to ensure we all knew our duties and responsibilities. 

As we finished, I distinctly heard someone speak in an accent extremely similar to mine! There was another person working there, from Northern Ireland! Woohoo!

Kiera was from County Derry, not far from where I go to university, and was living in Manchester. 

We were chatting in the kitchen, when I spotted a number of men in very professional suits. I then spotted another man, with an extremely familiar face. Wow - it was Manchester United legend - PADDY CRERAND!

Me, being me - started to hyperventilate a little, and I plucked up the courage to speak to him.

'Are you PADDY CRERAND'? Stupid question, Mairead - of course it was him.

He replied, 'I am yes! Are you from Ireland'?

I couldn't believe I was actually speaking to a Manchester United legend, who had played with the likes of Bobby Charlton & George Best, and had been a part of the 1968 European Cup winning side. 

After thirty minutes of chatting with Paddy Crerand, it was time to go back to work. What an experience though, one I will never forget.

Meeting Paddy Crerand

Due to being overstaffed, I was allowed to finish early and go home (to the hostel that is). I checked out, but decided to take a chance, and see if I was able to meet any players outside the stadium after the game.

After about an hour of waiting in the freezing cold, with no coat or jacket to keep me warm, the players began to come out.

The majority of the players went straight to their cars - maybe understandable after a tough game.

However, Anderson, Shinji Kagawa and Phil Jones were happy to have a photo with me!

With Anderson

With Shinji Kagawa

With Phil Jones

Once all the players had left, the crowd started to disperse, I decided to take another chance, and see if Sir Alex Ferguson would come out. 

However, after another hour or so of waiting, the backroom staff began to come out. Mike Phelan and Albert Morgan happily posed for a photo - however Albert seemed to be a bit stunned by the flash! 

And after repeatedly being told that Sir Alex Ferguson was not going to come out, I was about to go back to the hostel. And just as I turned my back, I seen a car being reversed into the Old Trafford tunnel.

I sprinted towards the tunnel and waited patiently, and the man who had previously informed me that Sir Alex Ferguson had 'already left', turned out to be his personal driver - Sneaky!

Sir Alex rolled down his window and I asked for a quick photo - 'Hurry up', he replied. No problem Sir Alex! :) 

I feel very proud to have met so many personal inspirations that night, especially Sir Alex and Paddy Crerand - especially after Sir Alex announced his retirement at the end of the season.

Visiting the Etihad

Just after working at the Liverpool game, I thought I would visit the Etihad. 

I have visited a number of different football stadiums; Croke Park, Wembley Stadium, The Emirates Stadium, Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford of course, and now, the Etihad.

When I arrived, the stadium looked very nice on the outside. I took a lot of photos, and then I went inside.

Somehow, I was able to get a stadium tour for free - Awesome! 

As I continued on the stadium tour, I was shown the changing rooms, press conference room, the training facilities used on match days (which were absolutely superb, I must admit), and the dugouts.

As a Manchester United fan, it pains me to say it, but Manchester City has some absolutely amazing facilities at the Etihad - from the leather seats in their changing rooms, to the superb warm-up area.

However, being a Manchester United fan, I thought it would be good fun to get my Man Utd flag out and take a few photos. 

Inside the Etihad

In the Press Conference room

Just a bit of banter

We got our trophy back!

All in all, the Etihad tour was superb. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit there. Despite my love for Manchester United, it is quite clear that Manchester City have some excellent facilities. 

They may have some great facilities, but we have the Premier League trophy :)

My first shift - Manchester United vs Liverpool

My first shift working for Manchester United was against Liverpool in the League! Very exciting eh? 

I received a text from Manchester United Staffing Department, asking me was I available to work on 13th January against Liverpool. I replied 'YES' and nearly broke the screen of my phone as I was that excited! 

Just before I booked my flights to Manchester - I received another text, asking if I was available to work the game a few days after the Liverpool game; West Ham in the FA Cup. Don't ask silly questions Manchester United! Of course I would!! 

So I booked my flights from Belfast to spend a week in Manchester. 

I flew in on the night of the 12th of January. I arrived in Manchester, and made my way to the hostel I was staying in. Very, very basic; standard bed, communal showers and living area. But it was cheaper than paying £70 a night for a hotel!

On the morning of the 13th of January, I got dressed; put on my formal, black trousers, and headed off to Old Trafford. Of course, this was another opportunity for a few more photographs!

 As my shift drew nearer, I decided to go and check in. I had to go to a building behind the stadium to get my uniform, and my packed lunch. Very exciting!

I was based in the Red Café for my first shift. So I followed the crowd of workers in red and black, and headed to the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. 

I arrived in the Red Café, and immediately I started work. Setting tables, polishing glasses & cutlery, and eventually welcoming people in the the café. 

I was working with another girl on my first shift, so I was able to get the hang of things. 

However, I was able to get to know some of our customers; and one of the men I was serving was from Northern Ireland! Wow, someone can finally understand my ridiculous accent! 

He asked where I was from, and what university in Manchester I attended. He was quite shocked to find out that I actually only flew in to Manchester the night before, with the sole purpose of working at Old Trafford.

'Doesn't that cost you a fortune'? he asked.

'Yes, it does; but I love this football club - I am willing to make sacrifices to be able to work here'.

'Wow, that is dedication'. 

The man and his three friends gave me a tip of £25 - which was an amazing gesture, and was able to help me pay for my hostel!

Due to the game being a late kick off, we only served food before the game. As the customers left the café, we began to clear up.

We were able to watch the game as we cleared up, however, the TV screens were about 7 seconds behind 'real-time'. 

All of a sudden, I felt this huge vibration on the floor - almost like an earthquake. About seven seconds later, we heard screams of 'VAN PERSIE'! We had scored!! 

Nemanja Vidic followed up with another goal, and we eventually ran out 2-1 winners!

What an amazing first shift; I met a person from Northern Ireland, I got £25 in tips, but most importantly, we won the game! Amazing night! Roll on West Ham in the FA Cup!

Getting a job at Manchester United

25 October 2012 was the day I applied to work at Manchester United Football Club. Crazy right? 

I live in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. Let's just put that into perspective;

30 mile away from the nearest airport (Belfast International),

An hour's flight over to Manchester,

Another 30 minutes from the Airport to central Manchester,

Another 15 minute tram journey to Old Trafford,

And a ten minute walk to Old Trafford Football Ground.

Was I really applying to work at Old Trafford?

Some people called me crazy. Some asked why I wanted to do this. Some simply didn't care. 

I'm a peculiar person sometimes. I come up with these crazy ideas, without really thinking them through. And I applied to work at Manchester United - And I don't even live in the same country, never mind the same City. Oh well - application submitted.

I then received an email from the Staffing Department at Old Trafford on 2nd November 2012, telling me that they were trying to contact me - so I phoned them back. 

'Hello, is that Miss Mairead McMahon? We would like to conduct a telephone interview with you over a position at Manchester United Football Club'. SAY WHAT??

So - I had my telephone interview, even though I was caught completely off guard; and I was invited to Manchester on the 16th November for a face-to-face interview! How cool was that!

So I packed my bags (well, my hand luggage), and I set off for Manchester on 16th November. 

I arrived in Manchester early on the day of my interview - so I hopped on the train and went straight to Old Trafford. 

This was my first time visiting Old Trafford - I promise you though, I really do support them! :)

I had a bit of time to kill - so I went for the Stadium Tour!

At Old Trafford, Manchester

As I went on the Stadium Tour, I got incredibly excited at the prospect of working here! This was by far, the most amazing thing I had ever seen! 

As we moved on to the changing rooms, I almost forgot I was there for an interview, and I was completely in awe of my surroundings and taking countless photos.

OOOHH Robin van Persie!

But enough of my photos! I was there for an interview! Once I had finished on the Stadium Tour, I moved along to the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand - and went to entrance A4, where I was greeted by a member of the Staffing Department. She checked my documents, and I was taken up for interview.

The interview took place in a private box overlooking the Old Trafford pitch - and I was so gobsmacked at the view that I nearly couldn't speak.

However, we carried on with the interview that lasted about 15 minutes. I was expecting the lady to tell me that they would get back to me once they had interviewed all applicants. But that wasn't exactly the way it panned out. 

'Congratulations, you got the job'!! 

'Oh my word, I GOT THE JOB!!!!! Wait, is this real? Are you kidding me? But no, seriously, are you for real'?? These were my exact words. 

I was given a signed form, congratulating me on getting the job, and I was invited to an induction on the 6th December 2012!! My official position was 'Waiting-On' Wow. I was now officially employed by Manchester United Football Club - the greatest football club in the world. Nothing could pull me down from this extreme high! 

'Congratulations, you have MADE THE TEAM'. 

So it was only a few weeks until my official induction. This cost me an absolute fortune to fly from Belfast to Manchester, and back again (especially with it being close to Christmas - but I was working for Manchester United, so I didn't care.

The 16th December came very quickly, and I was off to Manchester again. 

I arrived at Old Trafford and was taken in to the Salford Suite for my Induction - and was given a welcome letter from Sir Alex Ferguson himself.

We had a number of presentations, role play exercises, and we all got to know each other! It was an awesome day!

Once the proceedings were over, it was time to head back to the airport. My next time in Manchester would be my first shift! Very exciting for a small-town girl from Northern Ireland!