Instead, he was wrapped up against the cold at rain lashed Gigg Lane watching his latest club extend its unbeaten run to 10 games.
However, it's doubtful whether the Middle East friendly provided any more excitement for Notts' Director of Football than this thrill-a-minute encounter.
Bury led twice at 2-0 and 3-2, including a debut goal for on loan former United starlet Daniel Nardiello.
But Lee Hughes-inspired, moneybags County hit back to claim a deserved point.
Hughes scored twice and set-up Matt Ritchie's 77th minute equaliser.
And he was denied another hat-trick by keeper Wayne Brown's agility.
It was magnificent entertainment for Bury's biggest gate of the season-3,602.
Certainly, Blackpool striker Nardiello couldn't have hoped for a better start.
The 27-year-old ex-Old Trafford prospect latched onto Danny Raachi's pass before rounding ex-Blue Kasper Schmeichel after just nine minutes.
October's League Two player of the month picked the ball out of his net 10 minutes later as Andy Morrell notched his first goal since last March.
However, Bury's defence has been anything but watertight in recent games.
And it cracked twice under the weight of County's attacking moves before the break.
Ex-Oldham striker Hughes claimed the final touch after 26 minutes though the ball looked to have eluded Brown all the way from Luke Rodgers' cross.
There was no confusion about the Magpies' equaliser; Hughes, climbing unmarked, to head home a Ritchie cross via an upright.
However, the Shakers finished the half on top. Nardiello wheeled away celebrating his second of the game after rounding Schmeichel once more.
Unfortunately, he didn't see the ball stick on the goal line and the visitors clear their lines.
There was no let-up in the frenetic action after the break.
Stephen Dawson smashed home a goal of the season contender to restore Bury's advantage.
But they couldn't hold on and Ritchie pounced with a low drive after David Buchanan failed to control Hughes' right wing centre.
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