Had to take some time to gather my thoughts.
Did not see that one coming. Before the game, objectively figured a score draw or they would scam a win. They are having a good year, beat us at OT, and while not “back” yet are moving in the right direction (unfortunately). Still I felt like we would turn up but Ten Hag would set them up conservatively and hit us on the counter. Neither Casemiro nor Varane had ever lost to us, so I wondered if that counted for anything. I also just have general bad vibes about daytime kickoffs against United in March playing in white (O’Shea '07 and Mata '15 will do that to you) so being in Boston for the weekend I went with my friend (also a supporter) to his local to watch. Did not love the idea of no Bajcetic but when I saw they went for a 2 in midfield (Casemiro and Fred) I felt like we might have a chance with a 3 of Fabinho, Henderson, and Elliott. I also was very happy to see Konate starting to combat their pace on the counter – we’ve been crap but a lot of it has been without him, and I think we’re better when he’s in the side. Also figured Gakpo and Nunez could cause some problems but didn’t know if they could make it count. I would soon learn!
Really liked the energy out of the gate from us. They did the hard part in weathering the opening 15 or 20 and grew into the game. The Antony shot was decent but it was a good confidence builder for Ali in the opening stages. Still they were dangerous: I thought the Bruno header was in, I thought Rashford was primed until he took a bad touch. Felt like for all our running and huffing and puffing we didn’t create much bar the Martinez block and one or two other shots.
Offside goal, wakeup call; I thought it would count until I saw the replay. Then Gakpo sent Varane for a hot dog but there was still a lot to do. Everything happened so fast – the realization that he was in was quickly followed by a ruthless finish. Place went nuts after the United fans had been very loud a minute earlier with the disallowed goal. Figured we scored at the right time – not all goal timings have equal impact – but that we’d be in trouble if they got one early.
Second half was a blur. Definitely didn’t expect 2-0 less than two minutes in, but was great to see Nunez get one and continue his evolution. The 3-0 was outrageous and I could hardly believe what I was watching. 4 was barely believable and a great finish, 5 an even better header from Nunez. I remember thinking after the 5-0 I’d never see anything like that, so 6 was even more absurd, and Bobby coming on to get the 7th was the icing on the cake. The only times I’ve ever felt comfortable during United games were the two games last season and the 2011 Kuyt hat trick game where we were 3-0 up with a half-hour to go. Didn’t think I would be in that situation again for a while.
Also, their fans are so shameless – so much salt in the air this morning. 
Banging on about how this is our trophy after losing 7-0. They’ve had things to cheer about this season, we’ve been crap, that’s fine, but you have to eat your humble pie sometimes – just take the L and move on. I also loved that the talk of Varane/Martinez and Casemiro being an all-conquering force was quietened.
This season has been a long hard slog, but things in football do change quickly and the last month has given cause for optimism. Still, a victory like this can do wonders for your confidence – thinking of their result in the return fixture – and I think the mood around the place is probably better than it’s been all season. We move, but I’ll be sure to enjoy it for a bit longer!
