Manchester United: The Theatre of Dreams, where the impossible happens

There is no doubt that Manchester United’s 2024-25 season is clouded with inconsistency, frustration and they are on course for their worst season ever, especially when it comes to Premier League. United’s campaign is tainted with faltering performances, criticism by football experts and questions over tactics by the team management that has left the supporters of the club disappointed week in, week out.

It’s been a season of ups and down. Rather more of downs as compared to ups.

A season where we’ve been knocked out of every major cup, where our Premier League campaign feels like a never-ending rollercoaster of missed opportunities, poor decisions, and far too many moments that make you question everything you thought you knew about this team.

We’ve watched the pundits make their predictions, and the memes flood our timelines. “United are finished.” “The glory days are behind them.” “When’s the next managerial change?” They’ve all piled on. Every single week, it feels like another blow. Every weekend, it’s a reminder that we’re not where we want to be. 

But then Europe comes. And with it, that strange, beautiful madness that only Manchester United can evoke among the fans. There’s something about 

But then Europe comes. And with it, that strange, beautiful madness that only Manchester United can evoke among the fans. There’s something about European nights at Old Trafford. From United beating AS Roma 7-1 in 2006-07 season to Paul Scholes’ stunning goal against FC Barcelona in 2007-08 season, Old Trafford has seen it all.

In a competition where margins are so low and the slightest slip can derail an entire campaign, Manchester United have done what no other team in Europe has: Remained unbeaten. Not Real Madrid. Not Bayern. Not City. Only Manchester United. Let that sink in for a minute!

And on Thursday night (April 17), Manchester United also called as ‘The Red Devils’, reminded the world why one should never write them off. 

United went into that game with more doubts than hopes. Red Devils' Premier League form has been horrible (to say the least), so who could’ve predicted this? This game had everything. Thrills. Tension. Last-minute drama.

Yes, United did get the two-goal lead before the half-time whistle, thanks to Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, but the fans knew that given our current form in the season, we could not celebrate until we heard that final whistle.

And the inevitable happened. Lyon came all guns blazing and hit back and in no time, the scores were levelled and they took lead on aggregate. United fans were left in disbelief thinking, this is it for the season.

The clock was ticking fast and a sense of urgency surrounded the Old Trafford. Going into extra time, Lyon hit two more to take the game completely out of Manchester United hands. 110 minutes gone. Seconds felt like an eternity. United still needing three goals to overcome the deficit if they wanted to make it to the semis of the Europa League.

It was pure chaos. One of those games where one couldn’t even sit still. One minute you’re on top of the world, and the next, you are biting your nails and wondering, is this it for Manchester United? And yet, fans weren’t just watching. They were living it. Every pass, every tackle, every goal felt like it meant more because, in the back of minds, every supporter knew: They needed this. United needed something to show for this season. A reminder of why they supported this club. Why they stood by this club all these years, no matter what.

And then, those last ten minutes of the game, it was not the United fans have been seeing all season, but that prime United between 2004-2009. Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire with others suddenly reminded everyone of the iconic 1999 team.

The players were playing for the badge again, their passion reignited. Whether it was the crowd support, their inner belief or the fact that they just knew that they play for a club which never gives up, whatever it may be, it was beautiful to watch players playing for the club again.

It wasn’t just the fact that United won. It was the manner in which they won. The belief they showed when everything seemed stacked against them. The refusal to let this season be defined by our failures. United have been written off so many times this year, but when it matters, when the world is watching, United finds a way to rewrite the script.

Because let’s be real—this is what United does. They don’t play by the rules. They don’t follow the script. They are not here for easy wins or predictable outcomes. They are here to make it dramatic. To make it memorable.

So yes, the Premier League has been painful. Yes, they have fallen short in the cups. But when the European lights come on, One can never count Manchester United out. Not when the game is on the line. Not when the impossible seems just out of reach. United are the masters of late goals. United have written that story time and time again. And they will keep writing it.

Because this is Manchester United. And when one thinks that they are done, that’s when they are at their best. Never write them off.