"The culmination of three trophies was the
pinnacle of my career and it has been rewarded with a knighthood" - Sir
Alex Ferguson...
Manchester united was gifted with the
greatest manager, in the football world . He was brought to old Trafford from
Aberdeen way back in 1985-86 when Manchester United football was in a bad shape
with no sight of success anywhere close whatsoever. None of the players, staffs
and members including the owner had much hopes with the durability of SAF (that
is how I would like to call him)...with the club. My love for Manchester united
knew no bounds. It all started when I was in 8th grade and we were a group of
kids who started playing football in the colony and I always preferred the
forward position out of sheer laziness and the joy of putting the ball into the
net. Therefore to acquire some wisdom about the game and to improve my skills I
gifted myself a football to practice and I did it alone in my apartment,
neighbours even laughed looking at me when I used to shout my ass out as I got
a move right, as I grew I got hold of handful of tricks and moves which was
then used by me to grab some attention. By then my elder brother and his
counter parts always debated about which was the best team and
that’s how I heard all the big names in the world of football but comprehended
none. As I always had a zeal about this sport I started watching it in
the TV ...David Beckham, teddy Sheringham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs were the
players I adored and wished to watch them again and again. So thereby I tuned
my TV only to get a glimpse of them, I used to run back home from school to
watch the replays of the late night matches…ahh the way they played just amazed
me. One of the occasions where they showed why united is what it is --the game
against Spurs where we were 3-0 down and the half time whistle rang. Now it
surely must have been the most intense 15 mins break as we then bounced back in
the second half with 5 goals to win a spectacular game. The most interesting 45
mins I must say just couldn’t get my eyes off the screen. I was then more
curious actually to know what the manager must have told the lads in the break.
I am still figuring out, surely those timely words must have been inspiring
and gave a boost to their confidence.
Ever since then I started to watch United’s matches
without fail. One more match I distinctly remember was the FA cup semi final
vs. Arsenal. The big fight between Roy keane and Patrick Viera was the
highlight of the game and united emerged victorious with Beckham's 40 yard
shoot putting the ball in the back of the net, it was display of sheer genius.
I loved the trio Roy keane, Beckham and Scholes .It all looked like one big
family. Unity in the team was marvelous; all the credit undoubtedly goes to
SAF. When I see them play even as much as in the recent times, the calmness in
the players is so vivid and the bond that they share is amazing. The sincerity
and the veracity which with they approach each and every game is striking
and I think that is why they deserve to be the champions.
To get a top performer to perform is not a big deal.
To get a young lad into the team and pave way for top class performance
requires a vision with perseverance and backing from the staff, coaches, the
manager and of course the senior players. This quality in SAF is what I loved
the most. Ronaldo and Rooney were small names when they got into United from
Sporting and Everton respectively. SAF had such a great impact on these 2 that they
are playing a major role in United’s success. They are now the costliest
players in the world. They stand for great fortunes !! Ronaldo
calls SAF as his second father. When 2 great people meet with intensity
such miracles happen.
To mange a club for 26 years and still counting is
an outstanding achievement. The number of times he has rebuilt the team, with
the goal and vision for the club kept intact, only he could do what he has
done. I can get a glimpse of the passion and the love he has for football and
Manchester united. Obviously Manchester united loves him too.
If god ever asks me for a last wish. I will
undoubtedly wish to visit the theatre of dreams. I long to see that
place. I yearn to inhale that atmosphere, of the champions. I crave to watch them play live once. I want
to shout on the top of my voice when they score a goal. I desire to live that
moment for eternity!!
We are now the champions again for the 20th
time and 13 times in SAF’s reign. Van persie was the star of this season.
Finishing some crucial games and earning the 3 points gave the required cushion
at the end of the season. The best finish was against Man city, where RVP
scored in the injury time with a terrific free kick that was indeed the biggest
roar that I have ever heard for united. Surely must have broken few glasses
around.
United
finally lifted the cup with a dramatic goal from Ferdinand (last time he scored
was in January 2008). The game was indeed special with the warm reception to
our very own SAF, as we see our 71 years young manager retiring from the
managerial post, am sad , am sad not because united won’t do well in the future
or what David moyes(his successor) would do with the team. I am extremely sad
for the fact that I won’t see him in the dugout with the gums in his gums and
the subtle instruction he gives, the intuition of the super substitutes at the
right time at the right place to win the game. Ergo we refer to such people as
GOD, and it was so touching to see all the players/managers/players from other
sport across the globe gave their regard to SAF, clearly shows his impact on
the football world. I am surely going to miss him for the rest of my life. My
best regards to him and his family for a brighter future as a member of the
board in Manchester united. Thank you for the 27 years. MANCHESTER UNITED=SIR
ALEX CHAPMAN FERGUSON...god bless you sir !! salute !!!
