If you're lazy to read through the whole blog, just watch this.
Manchester United. These two words bring a profound meaning to the millions of Red Devils around the world. It is more often than not synonymous with the words “champions”, “never say die”, “come back team”, and “winners”. The team’s performance week in and week out to entertain the die-hard supporters with free flow attacking football have been far more than inspirational at times with a tradition of late comebacks and the belief that they are able to win any game even when the chips are down. This belief and winning mentality can be definitely attributed to one man. The serial winner who’s relentless pursuit of trophies have made him one of the best, if not, the best manager the football world have witnessed. Some call him a dictator for the fact that he is in charge in the Theatre of Dreams for 25 years (and counting…), while others in the Premier League would yearn for the day he announces his retirement. Heck, that would be as big as the news of Osama’s murder!
Manchester United. These two words bring a profound meaning to the millions of Red Devils around the world. It is more often than not synonymous with the words “champions”, “never say die”, “come back team”, and “winners”. The team’s performance week in and week out to entertain the die-hard supporters with free flow attacking football have been far more than inspirational at times with a tradition of late comebacks and the belief that they are able to win any game even when the chips are down. This belief and winning mentality can be definitely attributed to one man. The serial winner who’s relentless pursuit of trophies have made him one of the best, if not, the best manager the football world have witnessed. Some call him a dictator for the fact that he is in charge in the Theatre of Dreams for 25 years (and counting…), while others in the Premier League would yearn for the day he announces his retirement. Heck, that would be as big as the news of Osama’s murder!
“I would love to knock them off their f**king perch.” This was what Sir Alex Ferguson said in 1986 when he was appointed as the manager of Manchester United with reference to our arch-rivals, Liverfool’s long standing record of 18 English Championship titles compared to our then seven titles. Twenty-five years on, a statement which was deemed ridiculous and a mission considered impossible was finally achieved. The 22nd of May 2011, marks the day when Manchester United is crowned Champions of England for the 19th time and subsequently becoming the most successful team in England. Finally, “knocking them off their f**king perch”. In what was regarded as the weakest Manchester United team in years, it turned out to be the team winning a record 19th title and also booking a place in Wembley for the UEFA Champions League final. To put it in Ryan Giggs’ sarcastic reply to a journalist, “We’ve won the title and are in the Champions League final, we’re a rubbish team.” So to all the haters and doubters out there, here are the 19 pivotal or key moments which led to the record-breaking achievement. To the Red Devils’ supporters, sit back and savour it.
1. Retaining van der Sar
Keeping the flying Dutchman at Old Trafford was a big success for Fergie. Having had numerous goalkeeping crisis after the departure of another great, Peter Schemeichel, it was important to have a solid shot- topper aside from the unreliable Tomasz Kuszczak (who conceded six goals in two games against West Ham) although there was a new acquisition in one Anders Lindergaard.
Memorable moments include the fantastic double save in the match against Fulham and also ‘playing’ in the left-back position tackling Nicholas Anelka in a Champions League match at Old Trafford. Though it would be hard to replace the 40-year old at the end of the season, nevertheless, he deserves to bow out at the highest level.
“I asked the manager, why did he take so long to sign me?” Edwin van der Sar.
2. Rock solid defence
Number two goes to the two central defenders of United – Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. With the second lowest number of goals conceded behind Chelshit and Man Sissy, it was an already amazing performance by that dynamic duo considering the fact that United did not have their usual central partnership duo due to the back injuries suffered by Rio Ferdinand in the first half of the season. Aside from defending, Nemanja Vidic has assumed the role of Captain Marvel by scoring vital goals in the league with goals against Chelsea (2-1) and Spurs (1-0). One could only imagine that Osama would probably still be alive if he had such defenders.
3. Dimi’s hattrick against Liverfools
The league’s joint top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov’s hattrick against the Reds is one of the best memories during my days as a United supporter. I remembered watching that match with my Liverpool friend in the EPL big screening at Pavillion and it was sweet. Berbatov’s second goal was simply superb. After chesting a delivery from the right, his acrobatic overhead kick was unstoppable for one of the best goalkeepers in the league. To put it simply, he was rooted and overawed. The rest as they say, is history and GOOOAAAAALLL.
4. Big four crumbles
At the start of the season, the pundits were placing their bets on Chelshit to defend their title. For the first ten games of the season, even I lost faith on United chances as Chelshit was steam-rolling past their oppositions. However, the decline started when Chelshit sacked their assistant manager, Ray Wilkins in what was believed to be masterminded by Guus Hiddink to plot his return to Stamford Bitch.
Arse-nal meanwhile suffered from the lack of experience to challenge for the title as they crumbled in the final quarter of the season with the stubborn Arse-ne Wenger reluctant to spend on bringing an established goalkeeper and defender which proved to be their main factor of their downfall aside from the misfiring Marouane Chamakh and the injury prone Robin van Persie.
In addition, with the millions spent on building the team, Man Sissy still remained as the noisy neighbour and also the second best team in Manchester albeit beating United in the F.A. Cup. Liverfool was expected to mount a serious title charge this year (as their fans always claim) but was undone by the animated Roy Hogdson. Their form in the earlier part of the season was horrendous until there was an event created Facebook to celebrate their relegation. Sadly, that didn’t happen and then came King Kenny Rogers whose first game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat to United.
5. Comeback kings
With a reputation of having the knack of scoring late, late, late goals and being the comeback kings, United reassert their reputation with comeback victories against West Ham and Blackpool. At Boleyn Ground, United fought back from being two goals down to win 4-2 with Wayne Rooney coming good with a hattrick whilst the same could also be said with United’s 3-2 win over Blackpool at Bloomfield Road where United were 2-0 down for 77 minutes until a late revival secured all three points. Although United’s away form have been below par, nevertheless, both of these victory along with another at Stoke ensured that we were in the driving seat for the title charge.
6. Old Trafford fortress
The Red Devils’ form at home has been impeccable all season long with 18 victories and just one draw in the league. This has definitely made up for the points lost away from home and has been one of the major factors in the title winning season. Recent seasons have shown that United’s away form is surprisingly way better than we are at home. However, Old Trafford this season has lived up to its billing of being the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ for the players and fans. Fond memories include the 2-1 win over Chelshit. 3-2 thriller over Liverfool and winning 2-1 against Man Sissy.
7. Stroll in the Park
Park Ji-Sung is arguably the best Asian footballer in Europe and thankfully he’s playing for United. This Korean superstar has shown boundless energy, discipline and determination in every match he plays. It’s no surprise that United’s first defeat of the season came when Park was playing in the Asian Cup for his country. His comeback from the Asian Cup and injury has bolstered United’s formidable midfield limiting Anderson and Scholes to cameo appearances. He looks set to feature in United’s Champions League against Barcelona come May 28.
8. Champions League draw
United were fortunate enough to avoid the big guns in Europe i.e. Real Madrid and Barcelona in the knockout stages of the UCL. Facing opposition against Marseille, Schalke and Chelshit meant that Sir Alex could risk resting certain players. In addition, with all of the 2nd leg matches played at home, United were confident enough to make it through all the knock out rounds. Having secured a 2-0 away victory over Schalke in the semis, United were able to rest key players and fielded virtually their entire B team for the away leg at Old Trafford with Pep Guardiola in attendance watching keenly at United’s tactics. The match ended 4-1 and the following weekend, United whipped Chelshit 2-1 in a game where Guardiola should have been to.
9. Macheda vs Aston Villa
With United trailing 2-0 in the 76th minute to a youthful Aston Villa team, most United supporters thought that our unbeaten run in the league would end until Frederico Macheda was brought on as a substitute. The young Italian was a favourite amongst the United faithful when he came on as a substitute and scored the winner against the same team at old Trafford two seasons ago which led to the 18th title. This season, he blasted in an 81st minute goal to start the United revival which was completed with an equalizing goal from Vidic.
10. Wayne Rooney
After a disastrous World Cup, a nagging ankle injury and lurid tabloid allegations, Rooney's woes came to a head in October when he released a statement saying he wanted to quit United. However, Sir Alex managed to convince him to stay with a £250,000 a week contract. The number 10 forward never looked like the player in the previous season where he reached the 40-odd goal mark. He was definitely a shadow of himself. Nevertheless, he slowly regained his form in the second half of the season which saw him playing in a deeper role distributing balls to either flanks of the field somewhat similar to Paul Scholes. The revitalized Rooney managed to score a hattrick against West Ham which erased any doubts the supporters, media and pundits have as to whether he would ever return to form.
11. The evergreen maestro: Ryan Giggs
The legendary number 11 started off its career in 1990 as a graduate of United’s academy and since then, he was a total of 12 Premier League titles and two UCL titles to his name. An interesting statistic shows that Giggs has won more EPL titles compared to Chelshit (4) and Man Sissy (2). At the age of 37, Ryan Giggs is still at the top of his game with glimpses of wizardry from the Welsh winger at the left wing and has also been used in central midfield at times. He had contributed to United with his vast experience in title run ins and have been a key inspiration to youngsters at the club. Giggs kept his record of scoring in every Premier Leagus season since its inception with goals against Newcastle (3-0) and Birmingham (5-0). Although he will surely be missed when he hangs up his boots, there have been suggestions that his jersey will be put into retirement too.
12. The da Silva twins
Both Rafael and his twin brother Fabio have played a pivotal role in United’s quest for an English and European double this season. Rafael started off the season with a bang at right back with his amazing Brazilian dribbling and was also solid at the back. His performances have caught the eye of the gaffer until it kept experience players such as O’Shea, Brown and even Gary Neville on the bench. The same could also be said of his elder brother Fabio who was initially brought in to play at left back but has been deputizing for his injured brother and has shown that he has also what it takes to play in this club. One thing’s for sure that for next season, the right back spot belongs to the da Silva family. The highlight of the season is when Sir Alex played both twins in either side of the wings against Arsenal in an F.A. Cup match with Fabio helping himself to a goal. The sight of two short and curly haired twins running around the pitch was a joy to watch.
13. Rooney’s bicycle kick vs Man Sissy
With both teams locked at 1-1 in Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney rose to the occasion by scoring an important and sublime bicycle kick which flew into the back of Joe Hart’s net. When Nani lofted in a cross from the right into the penalty area, it looked like a completely harmless cross until that moment of magic came which left Joe Hart and three other Sissy defenders rooted. United, had broken Sissy’s hearts once again after a dramatic injury time winner from Michael Owen the previous season.
14. The Little Pea
Cometh the hour, cometh Javier Hernandez. This young Mexican has been a revelation this season after Sir Alex signed him for only £7 million. United’s number fourteen managed to score 13 goals in his debut season from only 15 starts and this unbelievable statistic from the loveable Mexican has relegated Dimitar Berbatov, the league’s top scorer to the bench. His vital goals includes winners against Everton (1-0), Stoke (2-1) and West Brom (2-1). In addition to that, his 37th second goal against Chelshit ensured that the title was coming home to Old Trafford. He might just be even better buy than the Babyfaced Assasin, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who netted a brace in United’s UCL triumph against Bayern Munich. At £7 million, he proves to be a better buy than the £50 million splashed by Chelshit on Fernando Tore-ass. Will there be another heroic act from this Little Pea come May 28? We’ll just have to wait and see.
15. Victory vs Everton
United were once again falling below the standards Ferguson demands when Everton were proving typically stubborn to break down in their encounter at Old Trafford. Chelsea were licking their lips at the prospect of cutting the deficit to four points until Hernandez leapt to meet Valencia's deflected cross in the dying minutes of the match, which kept the Blues and Goners at a safe distance as the title race threatened to go to the wire. Anything less than a victory would have probably changed the course of the title.
16. Big squad
A lot has been said of United’s squad this season that there was a lack of superstar, character and identity. Although we lack the mega stars at Real Madrid, nevertheless, what was more important was the team work among its players – something which definitely lacks in Arse-nal and Chelshit. Besides, United have a far bigger pool of experienced players to choose from. The B team sent out by Sir Alex to beat Schalke 4-1 was evident enough to prove this hypothesis. For instance, in the match against Chelsea, Sir Alex had Berbatov, Nani, Paul Scholes and Chris Smalling at his disposal on the bench to change the course of the game which at the end, proved to be unnecessary.
17. Nani
Luis Nani has finally stepped up the Old Trafford expectations. With the departure of Ronaldo last season, he was tasked to fill up the boots of the Twinkle Toes and he has certainly delivered although he has not emulate Ronaldo’s success. Nevertheless, his contributions this season has been recognized when he was voted by the United Players as the club’s Player of The Season. Statistics have also backed Nani whereby he has the Top Assist in the league.
18. Alex Ferguson
During the course of the season, I remembered Harry Redknapp quoting that “It seems to me that this is the weakest United side I’ve seen going to win the title.I cant seem to find the difference between United and the other teams.” There was however, one fundamental difference Harry, the name’s Sir Alex Ferguson. One of his main contributions to the season was during Rooney’s contract saga where Ferguson managed to convince Rooney to stay at the club which seems to be one of the best deals he’s made at the club. Aside from that, his usual pre-match mind games involving managers and the referees have shown why he has been successful throughout his career at United. When Blackburn won the title in 94/95 with their riches, Fergie won it back the next season. Even with the arrivals of Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti who are the other managers to have won the Premier League, Fergie has time and again shown that he can handle the challenge against the new faces. Long live the Scottish Knight, Sir Alex Ferguson.
19th English Championship
After winning the 18th title and equaling Liverfool’s record two seasons ago, the players are bent on winning the 19th title to surpass the Reds’ record. Having come close last season and losing it by a point to Chelshit, the Red Devils have been hungrier than ever to knock the final nail into Liverfool’s coffin. Sir Alex said, “It’s more than knocking them off their perch. It’s about being the most successful team in England”. I have witnessed United being crowned champions for multiple times but the title we’ve won this year tastes sweeter than ever as we’ve finally surpassed our bitter rivals record. So to all Liverfool fans, you can suck it!
To the United fans who managed to read till the end, credits to you for supporting Manchester United. Although we are the most hated club in the world among the neutrals but bear in mind that Manchester United is also the most supported and celebrated club in the world. We’ll always be United in good times and bad times.
“Glory glory Man United”
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