It seems there is no stopping Sir Alex Ferguson or in fact his worldclass Red Devils. They have just added to their past success in the Premier League. To make it even better, they still have their eyes set on the Champion’s League final, only Chelsea stand in the way of their dream, lets hope they bottle it, just like they did in the League.
Manchester United are on fine form to win the Champion’s League, and after a stunning season who can say they dont derserve it. They have the right mix of new and young talent coupled with experience. Ronaldo has scored an amazing 41 goals this season and with the final still to come he’s sure to be wanting at least one more. Sporting Life claimed cheeky Ronaldo is trying for 50 next year.
Ronaldo recently to MUTV and Inside United – The Offical Manchester United magazine, it’s all down to the fans.
“The songs create a buzz, put’s smiles on supporters’ faces and lift the player they are about. United’s fans have many songs but I dont understand them all… I think the support is fantastic, not just at Old Trafford but in away games, too. It’s a gift to us and makes the players feel confident.” Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s fair to say Manchester United are favourites to fill pages in the newspapers. They constantly hit the headlines and no player can do anything that’s not under scrutiny. Take Ronaldo for example, one of the teams’ major talent. It sometimes seems it the job of the press to put him down. Whether its victimising him over England’s appalling display in Euro 2006 and making him the sole person to blame for their demise, or criticising his skill with the ball and his so-called lack of concentration. Hmmm… lack of concentration but still scoring 41 goals?
The champagne in his hair has hardly dried and yet the specualtion of Fergie’s probable spending spree this summer has already begun. The Independent on Tue 13th May claimed he is already setting his sights on new talent. Chief Executive at Man U applauds Ferguson’s abilty to pick players who integrate quickly into the already established, successful side.
Meanwhile, the Mirror from the same day focused on the teams celebrations. ‘WAGS to riches’. In fact it was mostly directed at the players wives with a side story about the money been given to the manager to sign deals with new players. He also disclosed the difficulty he feels of picking the side for the final.
“The hardest part is not picking the team, but telling players they haven’t even made the bench. But someone has to make the decision. Im not looking forward to it but I know I have to do it.” Sir Alex Ferguson
Before the semi final Paul Scholes openly told the press he wanted no sympathy. He was banned for the 1999 final and Sir Alex had insisted he was guaranteed a place in this years. He didn’t want it to given to him… he wanted to earn it. His 14th minute smashing shot meant he had definitely earned it. Fergie told CNN he’d be the first person on the team sheet.
Ok, this season might not have been won may a spectacular margin but leaving it to the last game of the season added to the pressure… a pressure United thrive on. A pressure Ferguson understands and admires the players’ mentality. He told the Mirror: “The great thing about these players is they dont play with fear.”
Each and every players wants to stay and fight for United. Ronaldo, despite Real Madrid’s claims, has spoken about his loyalty to the club claiming it is where he belongs. One of the most experienced players, Ryan Giggs, has claimed that he can be a super sub like Ole and Teddy in the 1999 treble winning season. And he put his abilty where his mouth was on Sunday, scoring the winning goal in their game against Wigan.
United on Fire is a blog solely dedicated to the success of the team. The blog which earnt the most responses was that on “Will Fergie retire if we win the Champion’s League.” Everyone has their own opinion and often people cannot agree. Some argue the Champion’s League isn’t the only thing that drives this man. While others think it’ll be good enough to show he is the best manager for Man U by beating Sir Matt Busby’s one Champion’s League trophy with his two.
To be honest I think this man will not rest until he absolutely needs to. From his groovy little dance on the touchline on the full-time whistle, to his hearfelt speech of thanks, on the pitch, to players and fans alike during the ceremony, he is 100 per cent United. I’d even go as far to say this man will die on the sidelines. He will not go without a fight!
Relive the Champions League Final 1999 here;
