Mixed emotions for fans ahead of first Man Utd home game behind closed doors

So, while the thought of United playing again comforted me last Friday, I can’t deny there’s a feeling of sadness that I won’t be able to see them play Sheffield United, despite my season ticket. Despite the fact I live just a mile and a half from the ground.

But positivity is undoubtedly the order of the day in our current situation. A football match without fans at Old Trafford hopefully means that we’re closer to a game with fans. 

And it helps that this match is so important for our top-four hopes. Chelsea’s win at Aston Villa on Sunday, and our draw at Tottenham, means we’ve five points to make up. Thankfully, Frank Lampard’s side still have to face Manchester City, Sheffield United, Liverpool and Wolves, so you’d hope they will drop points sometime soon. Of course, the Blades are in the hunt too, which adds an extra frisson of anticipation. They’ve not won either of their two games since the restart, and Chris Wilder’s men are not known for taking too many backward steps in succession.