Forget turnstiles.
I’m at Old Trafford football stadium to see Manchester United play – and my seat is accessed via a private lift.
I say seat. It’s actually a suite – the Marriott Hotels M Club Suite, which I discover is one of sport’s most incredible experiences, Manchester United fan or not.
And it’s an experience that money can’t buy. Access to the suite is auctioned off as a Marriott Bonvoy ‘moment’ – and only Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points are accepted currency.
Full disclosure – I’m a Red Devils fan. But the last time I saw them play at Old Trafford was in May 1997 against Middlesbrough, a 3-3 draw despite the best efforts of Gary Neville, who I witnessed score his first senior goal, smashing the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the box from a magical Eric Cantona pass.
MailOnline Travel’s Ted Thornhill experiences the VIP Marriott Hotels M Club Suite at Old Trafford (above)
Above – the welcome Champagne
The result today doesn’t go United’s way.
But I’m (almost) too entranced by the atmosphere and VIP treatment to care.
Said private lift is at the fabled Stretford End, where I’m vetted by a dedicated security team before being led by an usher to the M Club Suite.
Inside, the vibe is upscale hotel lounge. Wood panelling adorns the wall, chic chairs occupy the floorspace, cheery waitresses hover – and there’s a bottle of Paul Goerg Champagne on ice. And more where that came from.
Complimentary beers, wine and soft drinks are stacked in fridges and a bottle of Châteauneuf du Pape red is also on standby, next to servings of chicken liver parfait with onion and grape chutney, charcuterie and crisp sourdough, the first of several courses of food we’re offered.
Steaks, Bengali lamb curry and rocky road desserts will follow. (Though prawn sandwiches are conspicuous by their absence.)
Ted describes the Marriott Hotels M Club Suite as ‘one of sport’s most incredible experiences’
Ted is pictured above at the suite with former defender Wes Brown, who dropped in for a chat
M Club Suite guests are treated to multiple courses of gourmet food, including steaks and curry
Then the stars arrive to say hello.
In wanders Albert Morgan, the kitman during the 1999 treble win, Micky Thomas, who scored 15 goals for the reds between 1978 and 1981, Lou Macari, who played over 400 games for United, and former defender Wes Brown, who played over 230 games under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Holy mother all things legendary.
I’m gobsmacked as Wes casually sits down opposite me and merrily starts chatting away about this, that and the other. Before long, we’re exchanging tales about our experiences on holiday in Africa, with Wes describing the heart-stopping time he met a troop of gorillas on a trek in Rwanda.
The view from Ted’s seat at the match – United versus Tottenham
OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM TOUR
By Ted Thornhill
It feels like a pilgrimage.
I’m at Old Trafford stadium, the home of Manchester United, on a guided tour.
Sacred ground for a Manchester United fan like me.
But I’d argue that this experience is worthwhile for any sports fan, given how impressive the stadium is – the biggest of any football club in the country – and how much remarkable footballing history has unfolded here.
Ted experiences a tour of the stadium. He’s pictured above in the players’ tunnel
Our official guide is full of beans and factual nuggets – and I’m treated to bonus insights by ex-player Dion Dublin.
He’s here to show MailOnline around. But members of the public can book ‘legend’ tours with other former stars.
We’re shown the old players’ tunnel, the new players’ tunnel and hang out in the dressing room, where Dion reveals that former manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘hairdryer’ treatment was no myth (see video).
Dion also recalls the moment Sir Alex persuaded him to sign for the club – by walking him out onto the pitch and letting the sheer majesty of the stadium do the work for him.
The tour group hangs out in the players’ dressing room
Dion says that Sir Alex guided him to the centre circle and said: ‘How do you fancy playing your football here?’
Dion adds: ‘I signed a blank contract – I didn’t know what I was going to get financially.’
After this, we’re taken pitchside via the old tunnel where my group stands mesmerised by the scale of the so-called ‘Theatre of Dreams’.
After soaking up the atmosphere in the press room, it’s out via an epic gift shop.
Outside, as I look up at the stadium’s vast walls, I almost feel like crossing myself.
For more information visit tickets.manutd.com.
My seat for the match is a comfy one right outside, in the north-west corner of the stadium, which is packed to the rafters for this match against Tottenham.
At the start of the game, the atmosphere is electric, with the Stretford End fans in fine voice.
But, as United lose their grip on the game the atmosphere shorts out.
Our waitresses are still beaming, though, as they distribute post-match red wine and rocky road to aid the recovery process.
We may have lost, but I’m still chalking this experience up as a huge win.
For more information visit moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/moments/collection/831. Club legends make appearances at select Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences.