Of course, the circumstances meant that could not happen. But our fixture with Brighton on 4 April still represented a poignant, reflective moment for the semi-retired teacher who, on 1 April 1961, made the short journey from his home on Cressingham Road, Stretford, to attend United v Fulham.
“My dad was in Stretford CID and helped set up some of the security at United in the ’60s – he was probably on duty at my first match!”
says Andy.
“So my grandad took me.
“There’s still glimpses of it in my mind’s eye, and I’ve looked it up many times since.