Numquam Moribimur...

Two days before the last league match, suddenly that sinking feeling struck me. There is very much possibility of Manchester United not being crowned domestic champions this year. Suddenly those years between 2004 and 2007 flashed in front of my eyes. At that time, a sensation named Jose Mourinho had arrived at Chelsea and threatened Manchester United’s supremacy. There were doubts everywhere about Sir Alex Ferguson’s ability to build a team again. We, fans had the faith. I personally kept believing that the league success is not far away. The re-establishment of Supremacy is around the corner. And United were back!! Sir and his new team managed to exceed expectations and surprise the fans. 3 years full of glory, 3 premier league titles, champions league, a league cup and club world cup. Players like Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo reached their true potential. Arguably the greatest club in the world was again scaling great heights. There were and are financial problems at the club but if there was 1 manager in the world who could have kept football and team separate from all the uncertainties it was Sir Alex Ferguson.

2009 came, and the inevitable happened. Cristiano Ronaldo left the club. It was never meant to be an ever-lasting relationship, it was a romantic, intimate affair. Again doubts were raised on United being able to sustain title challenge. Rooney stepped up this time, and with support from the ageless trio of Giggs-Scholes-Neville, United again challenged on both domestic and European front. Though the European challenge came to premature end, the domestic title challenge went to the wire. The Reddevil in me keeps saying that Chelsea will stumble at home against Wigan and we would win the title by beating stoke. At United, it is never over until it actually gets over. It keeps going till end. Thrice United have been crowned champions on the last day in premiership. The game is full of uncertainties and funny things happen. As Sir said few years back, “Football!!...bloody hell”. Yes it is bloody hell and that’s why it is pretty damn good.

Just few days back, Patrice Evra, on being questioned about Sir Alex’s retirement told that Sir can never sit at home, and watch football on T.V. He would rather die on the bench. This is the spirit which had carried United through for more than 110 years. This is why the banner at Old Trafford saying Numquam Moribimur (We’ll never die) is very special and close to my heart.