My mad editing skills. You can’t see it, but I am in my Marchus Rashford #10 shirt for the Big Match.
I wrote a blog about loyalty over a year ago, and I should have listened to myself, if that is even possible.
I was questioning my favorite football club, the Manchester United Red Devils. There has been a string of coaches who couldn’t pay the freight and get us where we need to stay: Champions League football, and contenders for a quad every year when the season begins.
I first started following the Reds in 1966 and I have remained a steadfast fan and have been to many matches, both home and away.
But back to my mea culpa.
I said Erik Ten Hag was a bald idiot who couldn’t tell what a successful team was even under his own nose.
I take that back.
After every questionable move (hell, it’s Manchester United, every move will be questionable) I have put the manager lower and lower on the big totem pole of managers in world-class football.
I take that back.
He is a badass.
No fucking around.
BIG BALLS!
Big enough to send Ronaldo, arguably the greatest footballer ever, to Saudi Arabia.
Don’t cry for him Argentina.
He’s making 200 million dollars a year.
When we were down 2-0 to world power Barcelona in the first leg, doubt started to raise its ugly head, but no.
I remained steadfast and I just knew this was a different team. The Reds of recent seasons have slipped from relevance in a league they once dominated and I still remain a loyal Man Utd fan.
We came back to win a 4-2 thrashing in which the team announced to the rest of the world, that this assemblage, under this manager, with their resources, are to be taken as serious contenders for EVERYTHING silver.
Glory United!
After eliminating Barcelona 2-1 at Old Trafford, it is more than safe to say the Reds are back!
I also said that my dog Bruiser, who was busy licking his balls at the time, had won as many Premier League titles as Ten Hag has. While this remains true, I now have renewed optimism that we are going to win a title sooner than later.
One of the big differences with British and American football fans: After the game (match) ends, the scramble to get to the car and get out of the parking lot as fast as possible is the modus operandi of the Yanks.
Ten minutes after the game ended, however few Barcelona fans had departed, but it still looked and sounded like a roaring stadium full of victors. The people were on their feet singing, shouting and showing much love to their team.
But it’s not their team
It’s Erik Ten Hag’s team.
Make no mistake about that.
I would bet money that Ronaldo would take much less if he could find his way back to the world’s biggest stage with a Premier League or other top European league team.
We’ve had great players; they just haven’t been managed to win consistently.
Something tells me Mr. Ten Hag is also bringing back the swagger we have been missing far too long.
Next step Carabao Cup final on Sunday!
Stay well.
