Thursday, May 09, 2013
Thanks, Boss
"United are leaking in goals, they don't have a midfield, the wings are not firing. Granted, you've got a red hot RvP, but I really don't see how you keep winning and are top of the league," a baffled Liverpool fan to me sometime last November.
"Winning's in our blood," I said, after a moment's pause.
"Yeah, I guess that's the only thing that explains it"
***
"So what if you won. We didn't have a defense to speak of," me to another Scouser after the 2-0 defeat at Anfield in 2010
"So? We didn't have a manager."
***
"People keep asking- who will replace Ronaldo. And I keep saying, that's not important. The big question is- Who will replace Fergie?" One of the wisest things PTV ever said, during the whole CR7 transfer saga.
***
I once read that the greatness of a man is truly shown when he calls it a day. Judging by the accolades that are pouring in, and will continue to do so, from ardent worshipers, stoic neutrals and grudging admirers alike, Sir Alex transcended the definition of 'great' by several degrees. The man who put his stamp on a team that already boasted a rich history, who defined Yogi Berra's "It ain't over till its over" like no one ever before and who converted a die-hard loyalty to a devout way of life will now attempt to play a role in teaching United fans what life without him will look like.
There are questions galore on what will happen in the coming weeks, months and even years. Will we see another drought akin to when that other great Scot said toodle-oo? Will 20 titles be the cause of a mid-life crisis for the generation brought up on Fergie? Will BELI4VE ever materialize? Pressing though they are, this is not a post to ponder on those.
Thank you, Sir Alex, from the millions who think 'Fergie-time' in the deepest of nadirs. Thank you, Sir Alex, for making Bradmanesque goals look achievable. Thank you, Sir Alex, for being at once a constant source of inspiration, the champagne for celebration and the light at the end of the tunnel for Lefty for the last 14 years. And thank you, Sir Alex, for being one of the greatest influences on life as we know it today.
"Winning's in our blood," I said, after a moment's pause.
"Yeah, I guess that's the only thing that explains it"
***
"So what if you won. We didn't have a defense to speak of," me to another Scouser after the 2-0 defeat at Anfield in 2010
"So? We didn't have a manager."
***
"People keep asking- who will replace Ronaldo. And I keep saying, that's not important. The big question is- Who will replace Fergie?" One of the wisest things PTV ever said, during the whole CR7 transfer saga.
***
I once read that the greatness of a man is truly shown when he calls it a day. Judging by the accolades that are pouring in, and will continue to do so, from ardent worshipers, stoic neutrals and grudging admirers alike, Sir Alex transcended the definition of 'great' by several degrees. The man who put his stamp on a team that already boasted a rich history, who defined Yogi Berra's "It ain't over till its over" like no one ever before and who converted a die-hard loyalty to a devout way of life will now attempt to play a role in teaching United fans what life without him will look like.
There are questions galore on what will happen in the coming weeks, months and even years. Will we see another drought akin to when that other great Scot said toodle-oo? Will 20 titles be the cause of a mid-life crisis for the generation brought up on Fergie? Will BELI4VE ever materialize? Pressing though they are, this is not a post to ponder on those.
Thank you, Sir Alex, from the millions who think 'Fergie-time' in the deepest of nadirs. Thank you, Sir Alex, for making Bradmanesque goals look achievable. Thank you, Sir Alex, for being at once a constant source of inspiration, the champagne for celebration and the light at the end of the tunnel for Lefty for the last 14 years. And thank you, Sir Alex, for being one of the greatest influences on life as we know it today.
# posted by Saagar @ 5:09 am 
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