THE FLARES of MANCHESTER

On Wednesday 19th January 2010, Manchester United travelled across town to play neighbours Manchester City in the Carling cup semi final first leg. In its short history Eastlands had never experienced such as what took hold on that memorable Mancunian evening. Frenzied, anxious, expectations once only dreamed about now demanded.

It was a moment meant to signify the beginning of a new era. The coming of an empire that had its roots firmly ensconced in east Manchester, but funded by endless amounts of black Arabian gold. Oil. A blue moon rising. This was to be a launching pad for a club bereft of success. So tired of simply just existing in the depressing shade of United's seemingly endless trophy parade.

The Ferguson years. Twenty seasons of torture. Red eyed and blue faced jealousy. Antagonised beyond all reason by the mischievous banner that lay draped over the Stretford End declaring '˜34 years' -- .and counting. But now things were changing.

The Sheikh's promise of providing world class footballers paid pirate treasures to adorn the blue jersey was proving no idle boast. They were coming by the fistful.

As kick off dawned the lights at Eastlands dimmed and blue moons were illuminated onto the pitch and across the stadium. Finally Manchester was blue and United at long last left blinded in the shadows.

Or so they thought.

Suddenly from behind one goal amongst the 6000 United supporters red flares were ignited to illuminate the away end. With three quarters of Eastlands roaring out '˜blue moon and the defiant chants of '˜United' deafening, never had this fair city felt such passion and fervour.

To Manchester United supporters the flares signified an act of defiance. Though wracked by the Glazer debt which threatened and showed no sign of releasing it's odious grip over their beloved club, they were not prepared to go gently into the night. For their own birthplace of Newton Heath lay only three miles away.

Lest forget, this was their city too!

So it begins.

There may well be an unstoppable blue moon rising but the flares of Manchester would continue to fire red.