Peter Bolton has done a series of diary entries from Manchester United’s trip to Oslo.
Tuesday 11 July
For the fifth time in the last 12 years, Manchester United are playing a pre-season game in the beautiful (but very expensive) Oslo.
It just shows the great support United receive from the Norwegians and Scandinavians!
Last year, we flew into Torp Airport (that’s over 70 miles away, but a lovely scenic bus journey into Oslo).
Today, with SAS, we flew straight into Oslo Gardermoen.
About 30 Leeds fans were on our flight, a few Reds and some United ‘staff’ (inc Wes Brown & John O’Shea – both getting plenty of stick off the Leeds fans!).
Then, a 20 minute train journey into Oslo Central Station. A short walk and we were at our city centre hotel.
Once the evening hits it’s time for us to get to The Scotsman pub for a Q&A with Wes, Sheasy and Andy Cole with Andy Mitten. I met some great Norwegian Reds – and a great night was had by all.
Wednesday 12 July
We went for a walk around the ‘waterfront’ in the morning and headed to Ullevaal Stadium after lunch. The heavens opened just after we arrived and none of us were dressed for heavy rain.
Over 80% of the 25,000+ capacity crowd were United fans with Leeds having most of one end (even then, there were many in Red in that end).
Manchester United 2-0 Leeds
It was nice to see two youngsters on the scoresheet. A good win (always good to beat them; any game, any level). The whole team looked pleased with the win at full-time but we were impressed with both Mainoo and Hannibal in the first-half. Hopefully, a big season for them both.
After the game we made our way back to The Scotsman pub for food and a quick drink.
Thursday 13 July
Our flight hone was in the mid-afternoon, so just enough time for a 90 minute cruise around The Fjords.
It was another excellent trip to Oslo and my first game of the season.
Next up – Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday (U21s) and then up to Edinburgh on Wednesday (vs Lyon) at Murrayfield. Not to forget we’ll be US bound after that!
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