Theresa’s relatives
A whole bunch of them got together in Blackburn last night, in Uncle Seng and Auntie Ann’s home. A couple of elderly grand-aunties were visiting from Malaysia, together with some cousins from Newcastle, NSW and everyone got together for dinner. One of them was a 72 year old lady who used to be a temple caretaker and must have her Guinness everyday. She regularly dispensed advice on Chinese customs and practices and spared no one if she thought any of these customs or practices were being adhered to. Most defer to her and last night was no different. Except of course, she had a stroke 2 years ago and is no longer the peppy hot little chilli she used to be. She was more subdued and I wasn’t sure if this was confined to her current visit or it has become a permanent change but she has got off her Guinness and her staple now is regular red wine. Plenty of De Bortolli 4 litre variety was on serve last night and by the time we were bidding our farewells she looked a little glaze. The cousin from Newcastle said, for the umpteenth time, that he didn’t think this grand-aunt was going to have another visit down under. In the course of the evening several phone calls were made to Malaysia, cajoling Theresa’s parents to make a visit soon. That would be nice. Thankfully all I had last night was a couple of beers and some bourbon, so I woke up this morning perfectly normal. Except of course, that this morning was to see United’s exit from Europe.
United’s Woes
My beloved Man United has been in the dumps this season. Not even the memories of Georgie Best could lift the performance in Lisbon’s Stadium of Light this morning as we went down 2-1 to Benfica, the subject of Best’s torments more than 30 years ago. I thought Scholesy’s goal in the 16th minute was a bit fortuitous and I was unfortunately, proven right. After the opening 10 minutes of controlling play, we allowed Benfica to take over in terms of both work rate and intelligent play. Rooney could not work his stuff, Ronaldo was still playing tricks to satisfy himself and Van Nilsteroy was starved of good balls. Scholes may have scored in the last 2 games he has played in but he is no where near his best creative self of old. Certainly, for all his tenacity, Alam Smith could not be said, by any stretch of the imagination, to have controlled the mid-field. Not in the Keane way. No, there really is only one Keano. Until we have someone remotely like him (an Essien, Makelele or Gerard) we will not be able to reclaim supremacy, either in the EPL or in Europe.
Still, maybe because I have not been on a regular diet of United games, this morning’s loss was a lot less painful than it would otherwise have been. It’s all a question of expectations and habit I guess. I’m glad I acted on the hunch that making an ECL final was a rarity and therefore hopped onto a plane in May 1999 and headed for Barcelona. That night in Nou Camp still ranks as one of the best experiences I have had in my life. Totally unforgetable and unfortunately, probably never to be experienced again.
Ante 