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!