Ultimate Win for ‘Ultimate Fans’

Four Manchester United fans won the ‘Ultimate Fan Weekend’ – a trip of a lifetime to Old Trafford for an ultimate experience that included the Reds’ dramatic 3-2 win over rival Arsenal.

Four United fans and their guests experienced the trip of a lifetime this weekend at Old Trafford, compliments of DHL. These lucky winners all played DHL’s Red Devils Battlestats, a live match challenge that allows you to compete against friends and other Reds around the world, with a chance to win weekly prizes and the top prize – the Ultimate Fan Weekend (UFW). Their incredible prize included airfare for two, a two-night stay in Manchester, two tickets to the home match against Arsenal, the chance to meet club legend Bryan Robson and and former kit manager Albert Morgan and a whole host of other surprises.

United vs. Arsenal

The weekend’s climax was certainly the much-anticipated match against Arsenal. The dramatic game saw 18-year-old Marcus Rashford start hot against favorites Arsenal, scoring two goals within three minutes to put United up 2-0. After starting slow in the second half, United took control of the game and a commanding 3-1 lead. Fans stayed on the edge of their seats as Arsenal scored late to stay in it until the final whistle.

He was very excited that I had won and completely understands why I’m missing his wedding.

Jay from Thailand

Theatre of Dreams

The visit to Old Trafford was a first for most of the winners, who travelled from places as far afield as Thailand and as close as Belgium, Ireland and Wales.

Jay, who travelled with a friend from Thailand, has made the ultimate sacrifice for the UFW. He’s missing one of his best friend’s weddings, a familiar face among Battlestats players. Norrapon, a winner from last season who proposed to his now wife pitch-side at the Theatre of Dreams.

“Norrapon is like a brother to me – people say we’re like twins,” says Jay. “He was very excited that I had won and completely understands why I’m missing his wedding.”

Frederic, who only had to hop the English Channel from Belgium, holds the second highest score for this Battlestats season but only just made it in the draw for his performance in the final match valid for the contest. He was the penultimate person to enter the draw.

When I received the email telling me I had won, I didn’t believe it – I thought it was a scam.

Frederic from Belgium

“When I received the email telling me I had won, I didn’t believe it – I thought it was a scam,” said Frederic. “When I started to realize that it was really happening, I was so excited for this awesome experience.”

John from Ireland beat the odds to win the UFW. He was only in the draw once. While Lianne from Wales achieved top 10 scores 5 times. She and her husband – who also plays and made the top 10 twice – had the shortest distance to travel.

“Everything about the weekend was perfect from start to finish,” said Lianne.

John went home with a signed shirt from all the players who have been a part of DHL’s #LegendaryMoments, while all the guests had unforgettable moments throughout the weekend.

Perhaps the most memorable moment was the surprise entrance of Bryan Robson and Albert Morgan during a lunch in one of Old Trafford’s VIP suites. 

Battlestats 

Battlestats is a data-driven ‘Fantasy Football’ style game that challenges users to select five players from United’s starting line-up, choose a captain and then watch the points roll in. The player who earns top points for each fixture receives a signed shirt from United's first-team squad, and those finishing in the top 10 are entered into the draw for DHL’s Ultimate Fan Weekend at Old Trafford.

Visit www.dhlmanutd.com to check out Red Devils Battlestats. You can also relive Legendary Moments in Manchester United history and vote for your favorite #LegendaryMoments. Right now it’s a contest for the top Legendary Dribble between Ruud van Nisterlrooy and Ryan Giggs. Could your vote be the winner?