Thank you Gary Neville

Not often will you see Gary getting a man of the match performance, or being praised by United supporters. A rough personality and even physical presence, Gary has graced the back four of Manchester United First Team, since 1992.

With over 400 premier league appearances, and 602 total appearances for the club, he will go down in history as one of the longest serving footballers the club has seen. Although he may not be a fan favourite, or a respected footballer by many opposition supporters, this Bury born right back still holds the record for the longest serving English International right back.

As the sun sets on his glittering career, which includes, one Champions League triumph, eight Premier League titles, three FA Cup victories, two League Cups, the Intercontinental Cup and the Fifa World Club Cup.

A member of the class of 92' and part of Fergie's Fledglings, Gary enjoyed quite a decorated career for the club, wearing the arm band for 5 of his 19 years on the first team which is by no means a small feat. He could never emulate the leadership displayed by his ex-teammate and captain Roy Keane, but his loyalty and firery attitude helped him maintain his position throughout the years.

His partnership with a certain David Beckham on the right side of the field led Manchester United to numerous accolades, with Gary himself gaining 7 goals in his career with numerous assists with his pin point crosses.

Before the likes of Rory Delap, both himself and his brother were made famous for their use of the throw in to spring numerous attacks on opposing teams.

It comes as no surprise that Gary was able to gain 85 caps for his country, and he has rightfully earned his spot in the history books for his outstanding solid performances, and outspoken nature.

Red Nev, in every way is the embodiment of Manchester United and of Ferguson's philosophy of "Manchester United against the world." As I said before, not too many opposition fans would share the same admiration or respet for him, especially the Liverpool faithful as he displayed his ability numerous times to upset and get under their skin.

For me Nev will always be remembered for his famous phrase when referring to Liverpool of "knocking them off their perch" which we United fans still use up to today.

Gary was by no means ever looking to make fans, or gain the respect of anyone besides Sir Alex, and is the embodiment of what footballers should be. A true club hero, Gary always spoke his mind and issued his Pro- United comments with unswerving gusto.

He has even tutored the likes of Rafael and Fabio, and ex youth players such as Cathcart, Shawcross and Phil Bardsley.

I myself look up to Gary as one of those United players who will die for his club before his country. I liken myself to Gary in terms of his challenging of statements made about the club or players, ever ready to throw back questions in the face of inquisitors and always with a refreshing opinion.

With his testimonial game carded for the 24th of May, a mere four days before his teammates get set to do battle in the Champions League Final, Gary will have a proper send off in front of his fans at Old Trafford. With the likes of David Beckham, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Peter Schmeichel, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville all likely to play.

I would personally like to thank Gary for his years of service for the club, and for just being himself, which is all we could ever ask. Although years from now critics will definitely have their say on who is the best right back of the period 1995 - 2005, my vote goes to Gary.

The 24th will not be the last time we hear of Nev, you can be assured of that, as he is currently persuing a career in broadcast with the BBC, and writes a column for the Malta Newspapers. As Gary bows out the game finally, he will be leaving the club as he remembers them, on top the league.

It is really quite a career to look back on as Mr. Neville is one of the rare "one club soldiers" who have been an ambassador for club and country, and who never was tempted by the allure of greener pastures. To Gary his pasture was always and always will be RED.

Thanks again Gary, you will always be remembered as a true United great !!!

Champions League Final 2011

Is it possible to dream of a more fitting finale to the dramatic novel that is the Uefa Champions League?

This match up has the makings of an epic battle, and few would speak foul of either of these teams reaching where they have and achieving what they have this season (besides every Real Madrid fan and “Jose”).

England yet again has a representative in the final, and with the exception of last years final in the Santiago Bernabeau, has contested the trophy since 2004/05 with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all reaching this stage since then. If that doesn’t show the growth of English clubs then I don’t know what will.

Spain, being tied currently with Italy for the most successful nation in the competition will be itching to get their 13th victory in the finals, and add even more fuel to the fire that labels their league the best in the world, and by extension the best international team.

The great debate – Pedigree?

Of course it is quite strange when many discuss the success of the clubs, and the leagues they hail from what items are usually discredited and overlooked in an attempt to establish superiority. I myself in recent “discussions” which were more like mini gang wars, have produced stats, figures, historical facts about the English league, only to have them laughed off by those members of the Spanish and Italian contingent.

With all due respect, those supporters of La Liga and Serie A, have bragging rights, and historically boast the most successful leagues in the competition, although clustered between few clubs in their leagues. The old time fear of “Italian Defense” has somehow been replaced in recent years with the fear of the fast paced play and physicality of the English teams.

With the exception of Barcelona, Spanish teams have not instilled the fear factor that is becoming of this so called "best league in the world." In many seasons past, the best performer remains Barcelona, as the only Spanish team to consistantly reach the latter stages of the tournament. Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho, has finally gotten over the Lyon jinx and reached the Semi's for the first time since 2003, beating Manchester United on their way to eventually losing to Juventus in the Semi Final. Valencia, Athletico, Villareal and Sevilla have all made appearances in the second round of the tournament, without really reaching any further.

A closer look into the history of European domination shows that not only can England contest for the best league based on recent performance, but by historical as well.
By countries,

Nation Winners Runner Up Winning Clubs
Italy 12 14 Milan (7), Inter (3), Juventus(2)

Spain 12 9 Real Madrid (9), Barcelona (3)
England 11 6 Liverpool (5), Man Utd (3), Nott. Forest(2), Aston Villa (1)

Looking at this table, it may open the eyes a bit to those fans which seem to think that the English league is so far behind. It has been the recent exploits of the “Big Four” which have established the league as such a contender. Being only one win away from equaling the tally of the other two “Super Leagues” a win for Manchester would not only be a great feat for the club, but for English football in general, and should eliminate that stigma that English teams don’t have the pedigree that the other teams have. Also, have 4 different winners of the tournament, compared to the 2 of Spain, shows that the English league is more competitive, and over the years, status quo can change very easily. Spain in my opinion is the Scottish league across the channel, as it is almost always a two horse race between Barcelona and Real Madrid with little or no challenge from other teams.

Now persons will still argue that that doesn’t count, because Nottingham Forest an Aston Villa are nowhere now, and they were lucky and their wins were way back in the 70’s and 80’s. Hmm, well then can’t I then discredit Real Madrid’s first 5 wins? As they were the first 5 tournaments ever held, with little competition and seeing as those were way back in the 50’s shouldn’t they also be discredited? NO!

So before you jump to discredit the English teams, remember that one can discredit any other league in the same way.

Did you know that from the 1977/78 season right up until the 1981/82 season only English teams won the tournament? Probably not, yet that period of English dominance was never gratified or recognized by footballing bodies or “experts.” However if today Spain were to have 4 straight European Champions league victories they would be labeled as the world best league hands down.

It has been a long standing problem in my eyes that England, much like English clubs are hated the world over, and is not given the credit where credit is due. Just as in my previous article about why people hate Manchester united, the same can go for why they hate English leagues. The fans and supporters of the English league always seem to go running their mouth, the lack of history, the players themselves, the lack of actual English players, are all reasons they use but none of this matters if they have the facts and ability to back it up on the field, which the English league has done over the past few years.

Back to the Discussion

Is there a clear favorite for the final? Are Barcelona a master class act, or just an act? Will Manchester United finally show up this season and put in a performance worthy of champions? Will Sir Alex prove his knowledge of the game and lift his 4th European trophy?

Barcelona

Free flowing, ultimate possession, embarrassment of talent all describe the style of play that Barcelona has come to display. It’s not a shock to see the final stats of their games where they can boast 75% possession over the opposition and run out 4-0 winners on a regular basis. Lionel Messi, Perdo, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa and Alves ensure that the goals keep coming, in its finest form, whereas Puyol, Pique, Abidal and Mascherano ensure that their goalkeeper Valdez goes mostly untested for much of the season.

Is there a weak link in this Barcelona team? Is there any way that a team can pinpoint a specific area and come away with a win? Real Madrid seemed to have been on to something, thanks in large part to The Special One, but sadly for them the refs had something to say about it.

Yes, Barca have unfortunately, most recently become labeled as the cry-boys of modern football, but play acting aside, this team is the greatest show on earth. Probably the most watched team globally of recent, Barcelona have written themselves into the history books already with their style of play, and players they possess. Teams can only wish to have the vision that their midfield posses, and can only dream of having a “Lionel Messi” in their team on a weekly basis. The Argentine hit man has been as lethal as ever this season and seems to score at will. Any team faced with the daunting task of playing Barcelona would be understandably petrified of facing players of the caliber of Xavi, Messi and Iniesta.

If Pep can get his team to play the way they have all season, whereby they dominate the possession and dictate the play, then Manchester United should be no different to any team they have overcome this season. Truly a great team, this Manchester fan can’t do much to deny them the glory and plaudits they so greatly deserve.

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson has become quite a feared name in Europe and will be leading his fourth group of players to the biggest stage in Europe. Although being deemed a weak United team, they have proven their critics wrong this season by topping the English League, as well as reaching the final in emphatic fashion with the largest margin of victory for a semi final stage of the competition. Although there will be no sniff of a treble, the club can still be proud of the success of this season, even without the great Cristiano Ronaldo. They have proved that the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are priceless, and experience can always prevail.

Do United deserve the label as underdogs in this final? NO! This club has sneaked under everyone’s radar of recent with outstanding play, and even more unlikely goal scorers. The recent rejuvenation so to speak of Ryan Giggs and the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Ji Sung Park, and the impressive season long displays from Nani have propelled United to the position they find themselves at the moment. Special mention must be made of the little pea, as Hernandez has been thrust onto the European stage during his first season with the club, and has stood the test.

United’s never say never attitude, and their constant attacking threat seem to give them an angle that can be used to defeat the mighty Barcelona. The question though is no so much United’s ability to score, but their ability to prevent Barcelona from scoring on them. Can the likes of Rio and Vidic, who have had a great season, stop Messi or Xavi from running through the United backline?

As a United supporter I would like to say yes, as I believe Vidic and Rio to be good enough to stop anyone, but the key part of that word being “one”. With 5 or 6 world class attacking players constantly barraging the United defense for 90mins, one may question not if, but when will Barcelona score.

The Winner

I personally am a fan for the sport first and United second. I of course will be supporting my boys until I die, as my blood is red from birth. But in all I will like football to be the eventual winner of this night in Wembley, and wish that the footballing spectacle we are to witness can be something we will savor for years to come.

Bearing that in mind, I hope the better football would be played by United, and predict that the Red Devils run out 2-1 winners in extra time.

The threat that United pose this season was evident in their demolition of Schalke, and ability to outclass Chelsea over two legs. This is a different United team from 2009, and the team is playing a different style than that of old. A more direct attacking play, with natural out an out wingers, with the gifted and natural finishers upfront mean that any chance given by Barcelona can be easily snapped up by the United frontline, who make no mistake infront of goal.

Who do you think will take it this year???

HAVE YOUR SAY!!!!

"Who the F**K are Man Utd"

"Who the F**K are Man UTD," sound familiar?

To many of you out there reading this, you may have at one point in time used this song or expressed a great hatred for Manchester United in another form or fashion. But why I ask, has this club generated the extreme dislike and loathing of millions of football fans, and especially here in Trinidad where the fans are constantly barraged with criticism, laughter and disrespect?

Is it the Fans that are so hated? Maybe its the clubs history? What about the Referee decisions? Or the fact that Ronaldo and Rooney have played for the club? Who knows? But is this hatred justified? Especially now since Sir Alex has guided the club to its 3rd UEFA Champions League final in 4 years? Surely these same people must be able to muster an ounce of respect for the club now?

The Fans - "Calling the kettle Black"

I have often been told in footballing arguments over the years that its not so much the club that is hated, but its the fans. This has been credited much in fact to their "arrogance" and their "cockiness" more than anything else. Are United fans somewhat guilty of being cocky or arrogant ? Emphatically the answer is yes! But is this feeling from the fans justified? And there you will have to answer another emphatic yes!

Being the most successful English football club of all time is not something that happens overnight, and United can demonstrate the high's and low's of a football club quite easily(although in my time its mostly been high). With this continued and constant success under the leadership of Sir Alex, the United fans have every right to be cocky and arrogant, maybe without overdoing it which admittedly many fans seem to do in their moments of excitement.

A perfect example is the arrogance that has of recent been exhumed by the fans of Inter Milan, due to their recent succes in the Serie A, and their impressive triumph in the Champions League last season. Many a year before this these fans had remained quiet and always were nervous about their next encounter, but since the success, have displayed a level of cockiness that is increasing in stature to that of the united fans. Is their arrogance justified? Yes! Especially after winning the Scudetto 4 times in a row, and 1 Champions League, which has helped them establish themselves as one of Europe's elite clubs.

They can boast all they want, and rightly so. In my opinion it is as if people look at United's success and somehow discredit it due to some unseen reason, and dont support the fact that the fans (true fans) have earned the right to be a bit confident and happy for victories and success that come their way, because i am sure that any other team that will win as many games and silverware as United have will act in the same manner.

For me hating the fans of Manchester United is just a case of "Calling the kettle Black."

The Players - Under the microscope

I have also been told that the reason for the hatred are the players. Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, CR9 before his move, Patrice Evra and even Vidic, have come to be some of the most hated and loved footballers in the game. Sure none can earn the respect that is given to Lionel Messi, for his undeniable talent and humbleness, but then there must be a valid reason for the hatred? Ronaldo while he was at United of course was hated for his "whining" "crying" and diving tactics which seemed to annoy everyone including fellow United fans. Additionally, the english media helped add more hatred as they constantly displayed Ronaldo to be somehow superior to Messi. Although I completely agree with the 2009 Balon D'Or winner Ronaldo being the best that season and fully deserving of the accolade, I dont believe many honest souls out there can deny the obvious class above that Messi is. This may have also led towards some sort of hatred towards the club I can admit, as im sure if the media were to label Gareth Bale or Aaron Lennon as the best players in the world over the likes of Messi and Xavi, then alot of disagreement and hatred would surely be directed to Tottenham and even the players themselves.

Now to me an interesting twist on this topic which is again my "opinion" is that Manchester United seem to be under a constant spotlight or constantly seem to be under the microscope from fans of other clubs who watch United matches due to the fact that United matches are constantly shown on Trinidad cable channels, more so than their own club. This adds to people seeing and pin pointing times of play acting, or bad tackles etc that other teams are not subject to due to the lack of tv availability of matches locally.

Classic evidence I believe that can be used is that for once Real Madrid and Barcelona have come under heavy spotlight this season from non fans, who have tuned in to watch the "Classico" or just generally tune in to watch these great clubs play their brand of football. The result of this has been a obvious scrutiny of the "soffness" of the Barca players and their "cheating" tactics, and Real Madrid's inferiority as well as their "brutal" tackling and general "rough" play that may not have been as evident if so many people did not watch.

Referee Decisions - "Everyone is doing it"

"Manchester United always pays the ref" is something United fans will always hear when they win in somewhat controversial circumstances. Do the club benefit from some sketchy referee decisions? YES! Do other clubs also benefit from similar decisions more often than not? YES! So then why is it that its almost automatic for football supporters to associate Manchester United with "Paying the Ref," or having the ref on their side?

Every major football club out there has benefited from such decisions, some more than others, but they all do. Have Barca not enjoyed much help from the refs over the years in reaching the latter stages of the Champions League? Have Chelsea not received numerous beneficial ref decisions this season to reach the position they are in ? Yes they have, yet United are still voted as the club the benefits the most. As i cannot provide facts to this effect, its best that I leave it as is and defend United as a club that gets what all other clubs get, "help from the ref."

English & Local Media - "All subjective, little objective"

Nowadays, and more so during the Ronaldo days, you could not pick up a newspaper in England without the back pages being flooded with images and articles about Manchester United or Chelsea or Arsenal and Liverpool. This over indulgence by the English media, in hyping up English players has been seen as laughable by supporters of other leagues and international teams. The problem here is that for me a supporter of English football, and by extension the BPL has put me in a somewhat "Blinkered" state of viewing, where I will always quicker watch a match up between Bolton and lets say Aston Villa, as opposed to Roma playing Calgari.

My personal choice due to the fact that I support Manchester United and England, and a choice which may bring with it criticism that I know nothing outside the realm of english football. This may be true for some fans out there, but as for me I am as cultured as they come. Benefiting from numerous football channels at my disposal 24/7 I have been able to watch numerous football matches in various leagues and been able to appreciate what each league has to offer.

For years the hype surrounding English Teams in the champions league has led to many people becoming sick of it, and frankly I dont blame them. However, when a league is becoming dominant I would admit that I would expect people to stand up an take notice. Now bearing that the English Premier League is by no means the most successful club in the Champions League, these past 5 or 6 years have seen them rise greatly in terms of general performance.

This is highlighted by United's 3rd final appearance in 4 years this coming May 28th. With Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool each making an appearance in the finals in the past 6 years it shows how competitive English teams are, and their hunger for glory on the biggest stage. Does this ascertain that Non - English premier league fans should hate English teams, an at that Manchester United? No, but somehow the evidence points to suggest otherwise.

The Alex - (Bad Blood)

The supreme being, the King of Dreams, the master tactician, call him what you will, he is known to United fans as Sir Alex. The only football manager since Sir Alf Ramsey to be given the honor of being knighted, for his exploits in the treble winning season of 1999.

Many people hate Sir Alex Ferguson. I’m the first to admit that he doesn’t always come over as being a likable, jolly fellow. I can see how many people can get upset with his constant harassing of referees, looking at his watch and gruff manner as anyone else, and complaining to the 4Th official.

Despite many people not having a general like for the public character of Sir Alex, I believe it s only football justice that you have to have absolute respect and admiration for him. I don’t really see how it is possible not to, however grudgingly. The thirty-seven trophies he has won over the past thirty years, together with the twenty-one manager of the month awards, seven manager of the year awards and three World Soccer manager of the year awards, tend to make it hard to dismiss his ability.

Is this enough to hate him? His Success? No, in fact people locally here in Trinidad go as far as to say he is racist, and since the letting go of fellow countryman Dwight "Tobago General" Yorke, has been purposely overlooking black players.

This very point is where I believe much of the hatred of Manchester United stems from in Trinidad even though many may not want to admit it. Many a person feel that Dwight was let go unfairly and wrongfully and that Sir Alex was the mastermind behind his dismissal, similar to that of Japp Stam and David Beckham's at the club. This of course is nonsense, and can be seen easily throughout the years that he has a plan, and there is logic to his madness. Where one may think selling Yorke, Stam, Beckham, Ronaldo may be catastrophic, Fergeuson has once again silenced the critics, and taken what is being labelled as a weak Manchester United team all the way to the finals once more.

Rivals - More than Most

Who do Barcelona fans hate the most? Real Madrid and also, Espanyol.

Who are AC Milan's biggest rivals? Inter Milan and Juventus and Genoa as well.

My point? That every club has rivals, and when these teams clash, the fans do as well, with heated exchanges and taunts, and a high level of "cockyness."

The case here is that over the years, United has built up rivalries with clubs outside of England due to their continued progress in the Uefa Champions League, and firery enconters with teams from various leagues.

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Porto, Villareal, AC Milan are all deemed as "Rivals"of the club and are hence treated as such when they meet. This is of course excluding the local rivals of Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Leeds. As if the English rivals weren't enough, we have to deal with the taunts and pre game "gum bumping" of the fans of these clubs almost on a weekly basis.

To the general public, it may look as if United are battling the world, and I can say we most certainly are, as our repitor of rivals is larger than almost any other club. To defend ourselves and speak out in the same voice of confidence seems about fair, one would think.

Finally - (Sorry for the lenghty rant)

Its a time like this that United fans "defend their own" so to speak, and this particular fan can be proud of United's accomplishments this season regardless the outcome. Call us arrogant, call us Cocky, call us annoying, but all I ask that you do is look in the mirror first. The same reasons you may hate Manchester United for, are the same things that the fans of your club can be guilty of.

A quick glance in the mirror will show you this.

I would hope that at some point respect is given where it is due, as I can easily voice that Barcelona are probably right now, hands down the best football club in the world, and have been for a while with their style of play and passing, but one must not forget the work and constant success of a club so easily hated.

Manchester United, hopefully can one day lose out to another team as being the most hated, and until then, I will jump an sing in joy as always with my fellow supporters.

Its an age old dilema, as United may be the most loved and followed club in the world, but the fact remains that "PEOPLE LOVE TO HATE UNITED." I for one can see the reasons why we are hated, and believe that they are justifiable, but I would hate to think you all are just jealous.