Passion is the word. Deep passion is a better way to put it for Manchester United fans. But passion (and patience) is being tested.
If you take a morning stroll past my house on any given weekend, do not be alarmed by the sporadic screams that pierce the air. Generation after generation, from black and white grain to 4k, from the villages in India to the suburban United States, my family roots for the Red Devils with love and passion. But recently, the shouts at the screen have left behind bitter echoes.
Manchester United has been on a losing streak–and I’m not just talking about games. The departure of Sir Alex Furgeson in 2013 can be cited as the beginning of Manchester United’s deterioration. His unsurpassable legacy and leadership cemented him as one of the greatest managers of all time–one who led Man-U to more trophies than any other manager in the history of football. A slew of replacements came after Sir Alex was introduced to the team to “take the club back to the top of English football.” Eight of these managers have been since his departure, and none has lasted more than a couple of years. In that time, a mere five trophies have been collected. Erik Ten Hag, the team’s current manager, has brought Manchester United an average of 1.55 points per game, a significantly lower statistic than his championship years at AFC Ajax or even his inaugural season at Man-U. His win percentage pushes a measly 50%.
Compared to the other powerhouses of football, we are horribly behind. Not only have United been fighting for comfortable wins, but they have also suffered scandal after scandal. Domestic violence allegations have been filed against current and former United players Antony and Mason Greenwood. In Greenwood’s case, ample photo evidence and testimony will not keep the charges from being dropped. His acquittal does not mean he is innocent. After all, victims of domestic violence in England “are finding their cases dropped due to the six-month time limit for these offenses to press charges.” With such a high-profile case, other factors can also influence the decision. Either way, it is a disgusting allegation that football teams have a precedent of immediately separating themselves from them. For example, Manchester City faced a similar situation with Benjamin Mendy. They responded by cutting ties, even going to stop paying his wages. United, however, chose a comparatively soft stance. Greenwood was “loaned to Getafe from Manchester United” and is regrettably still associated with the name. Antony, too, was recently named in a possible domestic assault case. This pattern is simply unacceptable for any major sports team–let alone one with such a coveted position.
And regarding scandals, don’t even get me started on the Glazers. The majority shareholders have been involved in terrible financial decision-making (another reason for the team’s record–their questionable player purchases), self-serving and ruthless commercialization, and an unsuccessful ploy for an elite Super League in Europe. The culmination of this series of unfortunate events is a loss of trust between the team and its fans, and that connection is the pinnacle of success. A team is nothing without its fans–if the tether between the two has weakened, there are no stakes. The whole empire of sport falls apart.
So, what does the future hold for my first love? Is it as lugubrious as the stats make it out to be? I believe the answer to Manchester United’s future lies in its past–and a radical reimagining of it. Giving a platform to new players, a new manager, and new financiers pulling the strings. Sir Alex Ferguson and his predecessors built Manchester United to be a playground of potential. They set the precedent of providing a stage for young stars to begin their football journey. The MU Academy (Under-21 team) has an even better record than its first team. From Beckham to Rooney to Ronaldo–those who couldn’t drink in some countries when they started are the ones who carry the legacy of Manchester United on their backs. Indeed, the atmosphere that the Theatre of Dreams creates for new players epitomizes what the game is all about. If there is one thing that fans love, it’s teenage kicks.
It seems to me that we have a few of these today. A few youngsters have rekindled the long-dormant flame in fans. Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, and Kobbie Mainoo all represent everything the team once stood for. A focus on football and a pure passion unadulterated by corrupt influences. If these players are given confidence by their fans and faith by their manager, which does not necessarily have to be Ten Hag, there may very well be a light at the end of the tunnel. The environment can only be further improved with a change in majority shareholders with the right motives and financial mentality. This change is, thankfully, right around the corner. With a revival of the past’s values will come a betterment of the culture of Manchester United. Already, signs of relief have begun to appear. Garnacho’s recent bicycle kick, for example. Incredible!
My mother said it best: “I haven’t been so excited by a Man-U goal in a decade.” So my message to United fans everywhere is: Do not give up hope! With the right nourishment, leadership, and guidance, it is an opportunity to pave a new era in football–one that re-establishes Manchester United as an athletic juggernaut.
Very well written, must not give up hope!