Oct 08, 2003 10:16 AM
2548 Views
(Updated Apr 19, 2005 03:40 PM)
''The champions of england... trying to catch up with the big boys of Europe''
Feel thats what aptly summaries MU at present.
No doubt they have the talent, they have the ambition but they lack that panache, the final touches that need to be made to make a good product one of the best ones. I have been an ardent supporter for the past few years. And have always seen the potential in the team to make it to their ultimate goal - winning the UEFA Champions league. The belief was more than supported in the 2002/3 season.
The manner in which they recovered from a 9 point deficit, came out all guns blazing and destroyed all the opponents that came in their way - was a true spectacle for a football lover. Surely Sir Alex's hair-dryer treatment must have worked after the Worthington Cup loss to Liverpool, FA Cup loss to Arsenal and the most humiliating - a double whammy from Man City. To come back from such a disastrous campaign to be crowned the champion was a task worth applauding. they had stamped their authority once again. but cut scene to europe - losses in quarters two years in a row - Leverkusen and Real Madrid were difficult to accept. the big guns of spain, germany and italy were out and conquering - making Man U seem minnows. Triple winning season of 1999 apart (which I must admit was driven by luck), the team has not performed at its best in Europe. they have been one of the genuine title contenders.. only to have been missing out. the story has not changed till date.. the latest being the defeat against the champion league newboys - stuttgart.
Sir Alex has been the instrumental force in making the club what it is today. His brooding of raw talents and turning them into world class players is well documented. From David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs... to Darren Fletcher.. - Fergie's Fletchings, as they are rightly called - have shown the world how home-grown talent is the best resoruce. His amazing buys - Ruud (van, the man) Schmeical (the great dane), Cantona (the hero) and George (the Best) have proved to be the best in the world. He has never let individuals get bigger than the club - the sale of David Beckham, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham... to give a few examples. he has flashed out chequebook to get what he wants... Rio Ferdinand, Christiano Ronaldo..
So what more does he need to do? hardly anyone knows the answer.. perhaps the gaffer doesn't as well. all I can say is ... just forget associating himself with english teams and take on his battles to europe. Forget Wenger.. take on Carlo Ancelotti. To be the best.. you have to beat the best. Get the feeling installed in dressing room that it is there where they belong... not where they should fight to be. They already have a place there... they just need to stake their claim.
Go Sir Alex go.. we are cheering for you
Lets say it to the world.. ''We are the champions''
