It was a normal day in the office. There were stories on the news reporting rumours that Sir Alex Ferguson was to retire. Most commentators seemed to think it unlikely, but then it was announced, the news all United fans dreaded was finally confirmed; Sir Alex Ferguson is to retire at the end of the season. Anyone who doesn’t love football or United will not understand the feelings that announcement has provoked.
Yesterdays remarkable events confirmed just why I’m such a pessimist when it comes to football. Even after all United’s recent success, I never take anything for granted. I’ve supported United for a long, long time and therefore remember the years before Sir Alex, when we hardly won anything. Don’t get me wrong, those barren years were still full of fantastic memories. Supporting United, whether in the old Second Division, or winning the Treble, it’s all the same to me.
Okay, I can’t deny I was disappointed yesterday. To say the least! But we shouldn’t forget that we pushed City all the way, right to the final few kicks of the entire season. It wasn’t yesterday when we lost it. I was almost as disappointed at the Everton game. To be leading 4-2, with eight minutes to go, I more or less accepted it wasn’t going to be our year when Everton scored the equaliser to make it 4-4. Of course, I hadn’t completely given up hope but in my gut I think I knew it wasn’t to be. Continue reading
Despite supporting the most successful club side in England I still have a rather fatalist attitude when it comes to United. Maybe it was the early years when I became all too familiar with disappointment and regular mocking from Leeds and Liverpool supporters in particular. I’ve supported United since I first became aware of this fantastic game we call football and found my first hero in George Best. With George, you lived for his brilliance, but there’s no denying the disappointments that came with idolising a flawed genius. I also remember the disappointment of relegation, when a loss to City, of all teams, sent us down. And even though the recent years have bought unprecedented success, we always seem to do it the hard way. United make us suffer in victory. That’s what makes any eventual victory that much sweeter, I suppose. And here we go again. Continue reading
Wigan 1 United 0
When I compared the remaining fixtures for both United and City a few games ago I put this one down as a draw for United and a win for City. So, I expected City to catch up at this stage. I was only a point out. However, I must admit I’m a little concerned, based on United’s overall performance. It wasn’t good. And City scored four with no reply. That must put an extra spring in their step for the next game.
City play on Saturday 14th April, away to Norwich City. On my list of remaining games I have this one down as a draw. Norwich have been impressive this season and City have struggled away from home. But if City do win, the gap at the top will be down to just two points, putting extra pressure on United when they play on Sunday 15th April. We have Aston Villa at home and I have this one down as a home win. If we slip up again it really will be ‘squeaky bum’ time as Sir Alex would say. Continue reading
So United lost at home again in a European game, going down 3-2 to the hugely impressive Athletic Bilbao. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and accept you were beaten by a better team on the night. Sir Alex said as much in the post match interviews. I watched the match live on Channel 5 and I can’t remember a team attacking United with so much speed and aggression. Bilbao could have scored more if it wasn’t for a string of first class saves from David de Gea. Their travelling support also added to the occasion and enjoyed themselves enormously. The return leg is going to be an uphill battle, but one I’m looking forward to nonetheless. Rooney’s last minute penalty has at least given us some hope. Continue reading
If I’m honest, I wasn’t very confident about United’s match at Spurs today. I know we have a great record against Tottenham but as City keep winning, the pessimist in me comes to the fore and I expect United to slip up. Even after all the success we’ve enjoyed over the last decade or so. O ye of little faith. I didn’t see the game but from all accounts, it was the perfect away performance. The 3-1 win and 3 points will keep the pressure on City and makes for an exciting final run in. Continue reading