How a Rival Fan Stepped in to Resolve Man Utd’s Boot Crisis
In a surprising turn of events during their European campaign, Man Utd‘s women’s team faced an unexpected footwear fiasco in Norway that nearly derailed their Women’s Champions League efforts. This incident highlights the unpredictable challenges of elite sports travel, where even top clubs like Manchester United can encounter logistical mishaps, ultimately leading to a clever rescue by an unlikely hero from across the rivalry divide.
Man Utd’s European Football Challenges
Under coach Marc Skinner’s guidance, the squad journeyed to Norway for the third stage of the 2025-26 Women’s Champions League qualifiers. The outing culminated in an unforeseen 1-0 setback against Brann, exacerbated by disorganized arrangements prior to the game that set a rocky tone for the entire trip.
Disrupted Travel and Missing Essentials
While visiting Bergen, the team discovered that a container with their essential footwear had vanished. Players lacking proper gear were compelled to rush to a nearby athletic store for replacements, as protective shin guards also failed to arrive from the UK to the Nordic region, adding to the frenzy.
Local player and United midfielder Lisa Naalsund, hailing from the area, shared with TV2: “A few pairs of boots disappeared on us. We’re still trying to track them down. It happened right as we were heading to the venue, turning everything upside down. No one wants to compete in unfamiliar shoes; it’s something we’d all prefer to dodge.”
A Liverpool Supporter’s Unexpected Assistance
The store owner, Andre Gullord of Torshov Sport and a staunch Liverpool admirer, found himself aiding Manchester United amid their rivals’ predicament, which unexpectedly spiked his store’s earnings. In his conversation with The Athletic, Gullord explained: “They picked up roughly 13 to 15 sets of soccer cleats along with about 20 pairs of leg protectors. The cleats featured firm-ground spikes rather than the metal ones usually chosen for damp, soggy fields – much like the weather in Bergen that evening.”
Last-Minute Purchases and Store Surprise
“Around 4:30 PM, a couple of staff members showed up, simply stating they needed footwear since some baggage was missing. It struck me as odd because Norwegian athletes typically pack their cleats in carry-on bags to avoid such issues.”
“The selections included premium options like Nike’s Mercurial Vapor and Adidas Predators. Prices ranged from £230 to £250 per pair, reflecting the high cost of athletic shoes in Norway, while the shin guards went for about £25 to £30 each.”
“We were taken aback when they walked in, especially representatives from one of the globe’s premier teams seeking basic equipment. We normally cater to community athletes, so this was quite the thrill.”
A Historical Parallel in Sales
Further reflecting on the event, Gullord noted: “Back when David Beckham was roughly 17 or 18 and with Manchester United, he attended a training program here alongside Brian McClair. I was on duty at the shop, and he too had misplaced his shoes during his visit. I might be the sole person who’s ever supplied boots to Beckham – he went for a pair of Adidas Copa Mundial, their iconic model.”
Looking Ahead for Man Utd
The club has stated they are actively examining the circumstances surrounding the misplaced items. Stars such as England representatives Ella Toone and Maya Le Tissier are likely anticipating a smoother experience as they approach the return fixture against Brann on September 18, hoping to leave such disruptions behind.
- Adventures of the Red Devils in European football
- Suboptimal preparations on the road
- Urgent need for new boots and shin pads
