United

4 games to go with a 5 point lead. I have continued to follow proceedings in the UK albeit at a much lower level of details. All I know is the lead we have and the next game we’re playing. Sometimes, such as at the present stage, I am also vaguely aware of our rivals’ next games. This time around I know the Russian’s mob is playing the toffees mid-week a couple of days before we take on Sparky’s boys. Moyes has been known to be a very shrewd boss and while the Fools may have consolidated 4th position, it would be very un-Evertonian to fold.

A few years ago I would have been aware of whether it is still mathematically possible for Merseyside blues to chase down Merseyside reds. Now however, I know the Hawks’ lead on the top of the table is not so strong, better. The point is Everton would give Chelsea a run for the money and if they force another draw, voila!

Fergie has been unbelievable. I know all the rage this season has been on the latest No 7 sensation and what a sensation – Cristiano Ronaldo is now everyone’s favourite for the title of world’s best player. Of course, the “supporting cast” of Rooney, Rio and Scholes as well as solid team members like Hargreaves, Evra and EVDS are all instrumental. The reports have been in superlative terms and how I wish I had the chance to watch every single game.

The rounder and greyer boss however must surely be recognised as the maestro who put it all together so that these performers know when to rise and let rip and when to lay it off for others to blow their horns, so to speak. But really – the greater achievement must have been the construction of squad after title winning squad, over a span of more than 15 years.

First it was Ince, Hughes and Kanchelskis, then it was Cantona, then it was Stam and Becks and then Keano and van Nilsteroy. Big names come and go and teams are constructed over and over again.
While the class of 99 had Becks, Keane, Scholes, Giggs and the soul brothers as well as Stam and Schmikes the class of 2008 now has Ronnie and Rooney, Rio and Vidic (with Evra on his constant overlapping raids down the left flank), Scholes (the evergreen engine) and Anderson and every now and then, Giggsy with his still mesmerising smooth-as-silk glides through opposition defences.

Fergie has been the one common thread right through all these trophy winning squads. Ronnie may be the brightest star now but I remember him coming on board what – 4 plus years ago? He was a great show pony and little else. I’m sure Carlos Queiroz would have played a huge role in cutting this diamond but only with the wisdom and watchful eye of football’s grand viceroy would you be able to hone this diamond into the splendour on display week after week.

It has been the same with Rooney. For all of Moyes’ attributes as a manager, Rooney was erupting consistently and getting into trouble. Age may have stabilised him but he is still very young and Fergie has had the experience of having guided the fledglings – the class of 92 as it were – into world beaters. The Beckham, Giggs, Scholes, Butt, the Neville brothers, all went on to have great careers only because the great hairdryer was constantly in use. See what happens when they leave his fold – Beckham was never the same footballer even in Real Madrid and Butt with the Barcodes is in a mid-table team at best. Phil is under another very good manager in Moyes so he is doing better but even then his careers is no where near what it was at United. On the other hand, Giggs and Scholes continue to perform at the highest championship levels every week.

In Fergie, we are witnessing a living legend if you haven’t already realised it. I don’t think we’ll see the likes of Fergie ever again.

I hope this team has the wherewithal to also go all the way. I tried negotiating with Tress re a Moscow trip but 1999 was much easier. I was only 34 then and was fit and healthy and raring to do it all. More importantly perhaps, there was the maid at home and in-laws and relatives around to provide company and help in my absence. It is now 2008, I am 9 years older, and much more relied upon in and around the house. European glory is much further away from where we are now (where I’m looking forward to a Hawks v Bombers game to bring kiddo to), but it looks as close to United as it ever has.