The Great Giggsy

This week I decided to discuss one of my favorite moments in Manchester United’s history.  It his arguably Ryan Giggs greatest moment and I was reminded by this because Giggs next appearance for the club will be his 900^th.  Such a brilliant career with so many great moments but moment was unforgettable.  In 1999 Manchester United was having a brilliant year and they faced Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final.  It was a game for the ages that had viewers glued to the television screen.  United took the early advantage and went up 1-0.  They had numerous opportunities to extend their lead but couldn’t capitalize.  Arsenal battled back and tied the score up.  The game seemed to be heading into extra time until Man U defender Phil Neville conceded a penalty kick.  The game seemed all but over with Arsenal stealing a late winner.  I remember I was afraid to watch and it was down to goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel to save United.  All I remember is my dad screaming in joy and I looked at the TV to see the replay of Schmeichel making a lunging save.  The game went to extra time but the outcome still favored Arsenal as United were down to ten men.  With all the odds stacked against United Giggs picked up the ball on the wing and did this.

Every time I watch this video I am simply amazed.  The skill required to make this run is purely amazing.  To keep a ball under that control running at full speed is incredibly difficult but he makes it look so simple.  I also find it amusing when he rips off his shirt and show his full chest of hair.  United would hold on to win this game and would eventually win the FA Cup.  Along with the FA Cup United would win the league and would be crowned champions of Europe,  becoming the first English team to complete the treble.  

Europa League

The first leg of Man U’s Europa League battle saw Fergie’s Lads victorious 2-0 over a tough Ajax side.  The Europa League is a competition that involves some of the best teams in Europe.  Teams from every country compete in a group stage that the two top teams will advance to the knockout stages.  Those 24 teams will be joined by the eight teams that got 3^rd place in the Champions League in a bracket style tournament.  The Champions League has the same idea as the Europa League but the Champions League trophy is much more prestigious.  It is extremely disappointing that Man U was eliminated from the Champions League, as they were runner up last year in the Champions League.  Many look down on the Europa League but Sir Alex is adamant he wants to win it.  It is one of the few trophies he has not captured in his illustrious career at Man U.   

The game played today saw two of the most decorated teams in Europe square up.  The game did not meet the excitement that surrounded the pregame anticipation.  The first half was rather dull with the only excitement being a penalty shout from Ajax players that was correctly ignored by the referee.  Second half goals from Ashley Young and Javier Hernandez led to a comfortable victory for the team.  This game was a return for many players who have been away from the team with injuries.  Young, Nani and Tom Cleverly had all been sidelined with injuries for recent games.  Cleverly has been out for an extended amount of time with his injury and it was pleasant to see him involved again.  He started the season in scintillating form even breaking into the England squad before his injury so having him will be a major boost for the squad.  It seems the injury bug can’t stay away from United as it claimed Antonio Valencia.  Reports belief that the winger will be sidelined for a month.  It was a good day for United bar the injury to Valencia.

 

Busby Babes

This week marked the sad 54^th anniversary of the Munich air disaster that sadly saw eight members of Manchester United’s team pass away.  In total 23 people passed away from the crash and 21 people were lucky to survive.  The team had just played a game in former Yugoslavia and stopped in Munich to refuel.  The captains of the plane had previously failed attempts to take off which failed.  Instead of waiting over night in Munich the captains pressed forward again in snowy conditions which prohibited the plane from taking off properly.  The plane ran off the track and into a wooded area at very high speeds.  The impact killed many instantly with many left injured.  The survivors evacuated the plane but goalkeeper Harry Gregg returned to the plane in search of surviving teammates.  The bond this team had together was so strong that they would risk their lives for each other.       

The team got their unity from iconic coach Matt Busby.  The team was dubbed as the “Busby Babes” and the name stuck for years.   He led Manchester United to its most prominent period of success during that team.  They were going for their third successive English title and they had advanced in all competitions they were involved in.  The success came with a connection the fans and the players had.  The majority of the players were home raised and the fans grew more affection.  The team was at an all time high, enjoying success and fame. 

The disaster instantly turned the team in the opposite direction.  The psychological effects of your teammates dying are hard to fathom.  Some speculated that the team would disband because they wouldn’t be able to field a full team.  Despite those rumors they rallied together and finished the season.  The season ended trophy less but the next season Busby gathered new players and created the next generation of “Busby Babes.”  Two survivors remained on the team that would be Champions of Europe in ten years.  It was a great generation of players that will always be remembered.

Chelsea vs Manchester United

Another weekend another massive match for Manchester United vs. Chelsea.  United are coming off a recent victory over Stoke City that brought them level on points with Manchester City for first place.  United were missing a lot of first team regulars through injury but still dominated the game.  Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that he will have Wayne Rooney and Nani back for this tough challenge.  A trip to Stamford Bridge is always a challenge and United need all the experience they can get.  Paul Scholes who has just recently retuned for United from retirement has been firing on all cylinders.  I’m expecting a dominant performance from Scholes to control possession and spring attacks with his long cross-field passes.  Chelsea are without Ramires in the middle which is a huge loss and Frank Lampard has had a below par season.  Chelsea don’t have any one in the middle of the field to match the in form duo of Scholes and Carrick.  Scholes will look to find winger Antonio Valencia at every moment. Valencia is in superb form and is arguably the best player in the Premier League at the moment.  His blistering pace has been causing defenders extreme problems and leading to a lot of goals for United.  Chelsea were dealt another blow when their best defender Ashley Cole received a red card in their last game and will now be without him for United.  Cole was Chelsea’s best hope to subdue Valencia but with him unable to play I see no way of Chelsea stopping him unless they pull a Nancy Kerrigan and attack him before the match.  United do have a serious problem in the goaltending department.  The number one goalie Anders Lindegaard is sidelined for a couple of weeks due to an ankle injury and backup youngster David De Gea is also hurt.  Ferguson will be hoping that De Gea will be fit to play unless he will have to throw the untested Ben Amos in goal.  Amos has a lot of promise but has never played in a game of this magnitude.  This is a huge game for both teams , United fighting for the championship and Chelsea fighting for a Champions League spot.  This will be a hard fought contest but I see United coming out on top 2-1.