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!
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