When we won the European Cup on that magical night at the Nou Camp, it seemed to be no surprise that it was also the day of Sir Matt’s birthday. What would have been his 90th birthday was celebrated with United bringing home the European Cup for the first time since Sir Matt’s team won it in 68. That evening was special, winning the trophy in injury time, after going unbeaten throughout the competition.
Years have gone by since 99, and whilst we have reached the quarter finals three times, and the semi finals twice since then, we have failed to win it. However, this year marks the 40th anniversary of us first winning the European Cup, and the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, when the Busby Babes lost their lives when returning from a European fixture. Can the magic happen again?
Sir Alex Ferguson has made his feelings on the trophy well known, and whilst he has, thankfully, always prioritised the league, he is desperate to lift the European Cup one more time. He believes these special anniversaries are inspiration enough to see the cup return to Old Trafford.
Whilst Ferguson won’t speculate on when he is going to retire, it is believed that if he was to win the European Cup again, he would call it a day. A manager who has achieved so much deserves to go out on a bang, and whilst I’ll hate to see him leave, can do nothing other than respect his decission.
However, this poses a serious question, and not one we as the fans can actually effect, but it certainly caused me to think. If we the fans had a choice between winning the European Cup again this season, meaning Ferguson would leave, or going another season without and Ferguson staying, which would we pick?
Of course Sir Alex is a man we admire greatly, but we’d be foolish to think he’s still going to be here in ten years, five years even, so would winning the Champions League be worth it, if the cost was Ferguson leaving a little sooner than we expected? Or do we need Ferguson to fully form his latest team, bringing through signings Anderson, Hargreaves, Nani and Tevez, as well as nurturing the likes of Eagles, Evans and Pique.
What do you think? Leave a comment or check out the RepublikOfMancunia.org Forum.
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