“Disappointed Fans React to Manchester United’s Dublin Friendly”

The mood in Dublin ahead of Manchester United’s friendly against Athletic Bilbao was a mix of excitement and anger. Fans were happy to see their team visit for the first time in six years but were annoyed at the way the game was marketed. Despite high ticket prices, the match sold out quickly, leading fans to anticipate a strong squad. However, when United added another fixture and fielded a less glamorous team in Dublin, disappointment set in. Many fans felt that they had paid premium prices to watch a reserve and youth players. Some expressed their disappointment on social media and around the stadium. Despite the disappointment, over 50,000 Irish fans still showed their passion and attended the match. Laurie Whitwell reported

The atmosphere in Dublin leading up to Manchester United’s third visit to the Aviva Stadium was a mix of excitement and frustration. While fans were thrilled that their team was coming to play for the first time in six years, they were also annoyed at the way the game was promoted. The friendly match against Athletic Bilbao was announced on June 13 and sold out quickly despite the high ticket prices. However, three weeks later, United added another fixture against Lens at Old Trafford, causing concerns among fans that the Dublin tickets might not be as valuable. As the game approached, supporters expressed their disappointment on social media and in the streets surrounding the stadium.

David Walsh, who paid €75 for his ticket, expressed his disappointment, saying that he and his family had expected to see their favorite players and a strong team before the start of the Premier League season. He felt let down when the Lens fixture was added and none of the main team traveled to Dublin. Ben MacEntee, who paid €85 for his ticket, echoed this sentiment and felt that the club showed a lack of respect to the Irish fanbase by selling tickets at premium prices for a game featuring reserves and youth players.

Despite the disappointment, the attendance of 50,238 demonstrated the passion of Irish fans for Manchester United. The club defended their decision by stating that they had kept a number of tickets at lower prices for children and families. However, throughout the game, it was hard not to empathize with the fans who had spent their money to watch United play. The team fell behind when Maguire made a mistake and Athletic Bilbao scored. Maguire, who had been overlooked for the captaincy in recent games, faced criticism from some fans but ultimately redeemed himself with a well-placed header that led to the equalizer.

Jadon Sancho stood out as the most impressive player, displaying skill and creativity in his false nine role. He had several opportunities to score but failed to capitalize. The weather added to the drama, with rain in the first half and sunshine in the second. The arrival of Jonny Evans and Ander Herrera, former United players, received a warm reception from the crowd. Hannibal Mejbri, a substitute in the second half, made an impact and forced a red card for an Athletic Bilbao defender.

Overall, while there were frustrations and disappointments surrounding the match, there were also moments of excitement and enjoyment for the fans..