Manchester United Visit Northampton Town: The Circus on Tour

SIXFIELDS STADIUM, Northampton—Manchester United’s defending during the passage of play in which Northampton Town won a penalty definitely had a hint of the circus about it.

From Marcos Rojo’s failed attempt at a headed clearance to Daley Blind’s panicked, lunging challenge, “Entry of the Gladiators”—the classic circus musical accompaniment—would have made a perfect score.

Eventually, the Red Devils got themselves back on track. Jose Mourinho had to bring the big guns into the big top, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcus Rashford entered the fray, changing the balance of the game in United’s favour. Mourinho would have liked his second string to do the job without his two best strikers, but needs must.

At Sixfields for @br_uk ! pic.twitter.com/EiCTg0fAKQ

— Paul (@UtdRantcast) September 21, 2016

It was fascinating to see the United superstars in action in more-humble-than-usual surroundings. Sixfields Stadium played host to 7,798 people, a club-record attendance.

It was no surprise that such a record was set. Around the ground before the game, it was clear that people were excited. Northampton locals talked about a buzz around town that had been growing ever since the fixture was announced.

The car park steward explained that things might be a little tight. Not knowing the draw would bring United to town, a funfair had been booked to occupy space usually given over to parking for the big games. That funfair was visible on the hill behind the north stand—a vantage point from which some ticket-less fans gathered to watch.

People watching on the bank behind the goal @br_uk pic.twitter.com/JbazU0aXhn

— Paul (@UtdRantcast) September 21, 2016

Those selling the infamous half-and-half scarves, euphemistically referred to as “matchday scarves” did a roaring trade. In the big West Stand, hardly a Northampton fan seemed to be without one. One seller expressed his happiness that United were the opposition. The Red Devils, in spite of their on-pitch travails, remain good for business.

Being at a small stadium means less in the way of facilities for visiting journalists, but the opportunity to walk around the pitch before kick-off was a far cry from Old Trafford. Television companies covering the game shot their pitch-side interviews, with co-commentators and pundits mingling with stewards and supporters.

Towards the end of the game, Phil Neville walked past the away fans. When he was spotted, an enthusiastic chant of “Philip Neville is a red” struck up.

Ander Herrera doing some signing before the game. @br_uk pic.twitter.com/pQBQhSWlbM

— Paul (@UtdRantcast) September 21, 2016

There was enthusiasm among the younger home support to see some of United’s stars. Ander Herrera obliged with a few pre-match autographs. After a post-game workout, unused substitute Juan Mata kicked a couple of balls to those of the crowd who were still around.

Ibrahimovic’s incongruous …

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