Nick Coppack is travelling with the United squad for the Champions League quarter-final second leg against FC Porto. Return here for regular updates throughout the trip...
17:10 I was just on my way back up to my room when the lift doors opened and in stepped one of the da Silva twins. I had no idea if it was Fabio or Rafael, so just settled for "Hello". Surely Sir Alex must be tempted to make a sneaky switch at half-time... referees would never tell the difference! Meanwhile, back in my room, the local sports channel is repeating, in full, the first leg from Old Trafford. To be fair, it's a decent enough game... although I might switch off after about 85 minutes.
13:30 Paddy's disappeared downstairs to have lunch with Alex Stepney, Mickey Thomas and Arthur Albiston. David Meek, the veteran journalist who's covered the Reds since 1958, tells me Mr Crerand hasn't changed one bit over the years. Apparently in his playing days Paddy was always the last one on the team coach and would inevitably arrive, out of breath, with some outlandish story about why he was late. There's never a dull moment when he's around...
13:16 United HQ is like the calm before the storm at the moment. Later, there'll be TV cameras, photographers and dozens of fans waiting outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of the players as they board the coach to the stadium. Now, however, it's eerily quiet... except for Paddy Crerand down in the lobby, who you can never shut up! Oh, I've just seen Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper and he says "Manchester's finest" are out in force in the centre of town. It certainly sounds like Reds are having a great time here in Portugal. Let's hope they've still got plenty to shout about come the final whistle tonight. Quiet... except for Paddy Crerand down in the lobby, who you can never shut up! Oh, I've just seen Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper and he says "Manchester's finest" are out in force in the centre of town. It certainly sounds like Reds are having a great time here in Portugal. Let's hope they've still got plenty to shout about come the final whistle tonight.
10:10 I've just been for a quick stroll and can report that Reds are everywhere! The lads should enjoy some great vocal support this evening. I chatted briefly to one fan, who said he's over the moon at the prospect of Rio Ferdinand returning to the Reds' defence. His prediction: United to win 2-0.
