KOTA KINABALU: A group of lucky Malaysians experienced the thrill of watching Manchester United Football Club live in action in Manchester, the United Kingdom, recently.
Led by United Malaysia president Batholomew Jingulam, the group of 11 witnessed the Red Devils in action against west-Londoners Chelsea at Old Trafford, the famous home of the club dubbed the "Theatre of Dreams", on Nov 3.
Vanessa John, one of the lucky ones who went on the trip, could not hide her excitement of finally realising her dream of stepping foot in Manchester and watching her favourite football team in the flesh.
"It goes without saying that I am thrilled to have finally reached Old Trafford!" said the Sarawakian in a statement.
She is one of the winners of a lucky draw that enabled her to be part of the trip.
"It was a dream come true to see the stadium and feel the atmosphere in person.
"Being in such an iconic place, where so many football legends and legendary matches have taken place, felt surreal.
"Joining the chants and feeling the energy of the crowd was unforgettable. I am so grateful that it finally happened!" Vanessa added.
She won the trip during a dinner held by Manchester United Supporters Club (MUSC) Sarawak in Kuching in June this year. MUSC Sarawak which is one of the affiliates of United Malaysia, the country's official Manchester United supporters' fan club.
In total, United Malaysia has sent more than 300 members to watch Manchester United games in Old Trafford since 2011.
Vanessa expressed her heartfelt gratitude to MUSC Sarawak president Datuk Haji Dzulkarnaen Ahmad and Jingulam for making her dream comes true.
"I am also deeply appreciative of my family's unwavering encouragement, but above all, I offer my sincere thanks to god for graciously answering my prayers," she said.
Jingulam said this was an annual tradition for United Malaysia.
"Every year, we make sure to give back to our loyal supporters by offering them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Manchester United play at home.
"It's a tradition that we're proud to continue, and we hope it brings lasting memories for these fans who truly live and breathe the club," he said.
Before watching the match, the group took part in the stadium tour, where some were visibly moved by the experience.
They were all life-long supporters of the club, but once they truly learnt about Manchester United's beginnings, successes, struggles and dark days, such as the Munich air disaster in 1958, they could not fight back the emotions.
Jingulam said this was one aspect he wanted United Malaysia members, as well as all United fans, to take to their hearts.
"Once you learn about the history of our great club, the good and the bad, then you will cherish and be more proud of supporting United.
"It's not about the glory all the time, but also about showing character, how you pick yourselves up in the aftermath of utmost adversity and be great again — that is what Manchester United is all about," he said.