07 Mar 2019 12:31:22
"Football - Bloody Hell"
We've had some memorable nights in our history but that must rank as one of the best and perhaps the most unlikely. No team has ever overturned a 2-0 home deficit in the first leg; well they have now!
Our great Club has been forged from heroic and Herculean type comebacks from the ashes of Munich to the hero's of 68. We will never forget the all conquering treble winners of 99. Giggs floating across the turf at Villa Park and our very own Ole sinking the Germans in the final minute. Many will still remember that balmy night in March 84 when we overturned a 2-0 deficit to overcome the great Barcelona featuring the mercurial Maradona. The list is endless and glorious.
When I think of what's changed under Ole surely the biggest factor is attitude. When we were eliminated last year Mourinho told us it was normal, that the team wasn't good enough, we shouldn't have been surprised. He reminded us of painful defeats and elimination some inexplicably by his own hand. He didn't believe in his players, he didn't believe in the Club. He made it all about him and sought to apportion blame. He never made himself accountable and this attitude eventually filtered down to the players. In the end nobody believed in him.
Ole has been a breath of fresh air. He has constantly reminded us of past standards and expectations. He has talked up the players, given them confidence and more importantly trust. Even going into this game, when nobody gave us a chance, he believed. He never made excuses, this was a chance for others he said. Man Utd always have a chance and he was right. I didn't think Pereira would play again after his mistake against Burnley but certainly wouldn't under Mourinho. We believe in him was the response, young players make mistakes. This trust and understanding allows confidence to grow and when the time comes Pereira will run though brick walls. Managers need players, even ones on the periphery. Ole has galvanised the entire squad. He's made everyone feel included. Everybody has a chance. Now there is real competition for players. Take your chance, show us what you've got, you wouldn't be here if you weren't good enough.
No doubt we are riding a crest of a wave. The place has been rejuvenated. The atmosphere against Liverpool was the best I've heard in a long time. Our away support (normally the best around anyway) was simply magnificent against Chelsea despite the game being played on a Monday night.
For this short period it feels like we have our Utd back and more. Marcus Rashford, Manc through and through, aged just 21 dispatched his penalty like a god. No doubt. Greenwood and Chong thrust into the lions den. With results comes expectation and it remains to be seen if Ole can continue to galvanise and inspire but he deserves his chance. The word thrilling doesn't do it justice.
Buckle up and enjoy the ride our season is just warming up.
{Ed025's Note - i enjoyed reading that DLIB..
07 Mar 2019 12:53:10
Excellent post DLIB, really highlights the change in belief. I even loved Ole's post match press conference where instead of saying the 10 injured players made us weaker, he said it may have helped as it gave us a team with energy. It shows his belief in the whole squad.
07 Mar 2019 12:58:32
Great post made for enjoyable reading DLIB. ðŸ‘
I agree abt OGS not making excuses when we got beat in the home game. Well unlike some manager who seem to say that they lost due to windy stadium. LMAO
I read that some of our competitors supporters are saying OGS is not good enough and we were lucky. Fancy some of them even suggesting a drug test and an investigation on game fixing! I am really surprised that they can even think about that. What a bunch of losers. At least I know a few of them come over and have been admirable.
Anyway I just happy that we won and now to look forward to the next game and win. I hope our manager continues to be lucky and we just continue winning.
{Ed025's Note - to be fair 666 there were a number of complimentary posts from liverpool fans last night mate...which was nice to see..
07 Mar 2019 12:58:39
DLIB
Great post.
07 Mar 2019 13:16:40
Inspirational BLIB! 😊.
07 Mar 2019 13:35:52
Ed025 yes I read them. Especially from Salah. He a good bloke. Yes we have our team to support but no point hitting below the belt.
For me I’d take an English team to win the CL anytime but I would be reacting like Di Maria or Neymar. Idiots those. You never know which club you will join.
Anyway I’m just saying it’s only football. Many many more important things out there and unwanted sufferings. Afterall we are all living in the same planet.
{Ed025's Note - absolutely mate..
07 Mar 2019 14:39:21
DLIB- spot on mate- regarding rashford; he looks and pre/ post match interviews gives the impression he is a little boy who needs a cuddle (not in a Jimmy Saville way! ) but my goodness, his steely core and uncompromising nerve when on the pitch are what sets him apart at his tender age, yes against 99% of similar strikers. He obviously has learnt off those around him, and this season has added another dimension to his game. Top player and everyone else last nite can take a round of applause for a proper utd performance.
08 Mar 2019 08:45:32
Excellent post DLIB.