07 Mar 2019 12:54:10
So here we are the morning after the night before and we are left reflecting on a results we all hoped for but none of us expected. There are a few players who rarely take any credit but who I think deserve a special mention today.
Chris "Mike" Smalling was an absolute rock last night, making so many key tackles and interceptions. A lot has been said about Lindelof and rightly so, but I thought Smalling was exceptional last night.
Fred had a shaky first 15 minutes but he grew into the game, he was everywhere and never hid, always making himself available for a pass. The way he jumped in when the PSG players were trying to put Rashford off shows great team spirit.
McTominay was immense, the way he worked so hard and was very clever when dealing with seasoned pros was a joy to watch.
Finally Shaw who has been steadily growing into a key player at LB. He shut down that flank yesterday, and considering he was dealing with such a dangerous seasoned player such as Dani Alves it shows how much he has come on.
No one let us down, Bailly struggled in an unusual position which gifted them their goal. But that is the only blemish on an otherwise phenomenal night.
I don't believe we could have won last night any other way than the way we did. With the odds stacked against us, everyone saying we had no chance, stating we would have to rewrite UCL history not just our own to qualify. That I think fired us up, I also feel it took the edge off of PSG. Make no mistake, if PSG turned up firing on all cylinders last night then we would have had a very different outcome of that match. But fight, spirit and bravery are often rewarded with what we like to call luck. PSG making simple errors to gift us a couple of goals, a penalty appeal that at best is a little soft, and certainly one we would all bemoan if it happened against us. Yet I feel the way we went about the game meant we earned that "luck". I firmly believe that you make your own luck through hard work, dedication and never giving up.
I loved how the players ran over to the fans at the final whistle and celebrated with them, it shows a togetherness and a bond that only a few months ago seemed like a huge canyon was between them.
We have our United back, the one that never gives up, that fights to the last breath and that plays for the fans. I think it is a matter of when and not if Ole gets the job now. If Ed Woodward was to give it to anyone else I suspect he would be lynched.
We have the most highly sought after yet elusive thing in football with us now, momentum. Our players believe in Ole and he believes in them, they have made us fans believe in them as well. Its moments like last night that can define a generation of players and an era at a club. Sir Alex had his "Mark Robins" moment that seemed to turn the tide in his favour. Although Ole has had nothing like what Sir Alex had to deal with. He did have his first big set back in losing the first leg 2-0 to a far superior side, yet he masterminded the most unbelievable of come backs. One which all those in the stadium will one day remember proudly "I was there that night". If he can harness the enthusiasm and belief flowing around the club and through that dressing room then we could yet see unbelievable success THIS season. The job is his and where he takes us next season I can't wait to see. I find myself wishing away the days now until our next match. Not something I would have thought even possible let alone likely 3 months ago.
Ole has us believing, Ole has restored our pride, Ole has given us back our United.
{Ed025's Note - a very churchillian like post that shappy...well done mate..
07 Mar 2019 13:10:58
Great post shappy
I think we all feel the same way now. This is no flash in the pan. The doubters have been silenced.
GGMU.
07 Mar 2019 13:19:37
Good post Shappy and we did it playing 4-4 f****** 2! Good old Ole taking inspiration from another great footballing mind Mike Bassett. Maybe he recited Rudyard Kipling as well! Magic! Who wouldn't be inspired by that? 😉.
07 Mar 2019 15:43:00
Love it shappy.
Your best EVER post mate.
07 Mar 2019 16:00:09
Top Post Shapps.
08 Mar 2019 06:52:04
Love that shappy ðŸ‘.
08 Mar 2019 08:43:48
Top post Shappy.