 TEDDY’S CORNER

have your say on info@manutd-malta.com

Dear All,

Being totally honest (like I have always been), there has never been a football season during which I was so desperately waiting for the last and final whistle. There has never been a match when I felt so humiliated as a fan that I ended up offending players at a loud voice...during the Brighton away game on May the 7th, I broke that record. Thank God I was watching it alone at home! We have never witnessed the last home game of a football season where players were evidently embarrassed to make the final lap, and when we had no final message from the Manager. One word…Shame! Thankfully, the noisy neighbors and the Kings of Madrid prevented the Scousers from doing the Treble and the unprecedented Quadruple they were all dreaming about and, also very important, from reaching us on 20 League titles. At least that saved some pride for us.

I will try to pick up 3 positive take-aways from this annus horribilis. 1. The confirmation that we still have the best goalkeeper in the world. If it wasn’t for De Gea, and Ronaldo’s goals, the outcome of this disaster would have had worse repercussions. The critics who slaughtered the Spaniard after season 2020-21 have all vanished. 2. The emergence of Anthony Elanga. For some he is still very far from being the finished article, but I strongly believe that this lad has got that raw talent that if dealt with properly, the boy can grow. He is quick and has an eye for goal…just needs to be more intelligent and consistent. Anthony could be the next star emerging from the youth ranks. 3. Struggled to find a 3rd for the first team so have to include the FA Youth Cup success. It was harsh on Nottingham Forest to be fair. The second Man Utd goal was never a penalty but that changed the game in United’s favor. Luck must be on your side one day or another and this time it took the side of Garnacho and co.

Is that all? Could it get worse than this? I hope not.

The engagement of the Dutch maestro Erik Ten Hag brought a glowing ray of hope. An arch-disciplinarian, known for his meticulous approach and micro-management skills, now takes over this dysfunctional and disjointed squad full of cliques, in desperate need to clear out dead wood and bring in new fresh exciting faces. Erik brings with him a familiar face at Manchester United in Steve McLaren and his assistant at Ajax Mitchell Van der Gaag. It is still early days, and we all know this is going to take time but there is that feeling and there are vibrant hopes that this manager can bring the required changes to lift this football club. The perception out here is that we need someone who can bring back the discipline and is able to handle the egos. The way Erik has been presented to us seems that he has the credentials for this. Proof is always in the pudding though, so I am not getting carried away right now. The overdue resignations of Chief Scout Jim Lawlor, Head of Global Scouting Marcel Bout and Head of Corporate Development Matt Judge must have a meaning. They all followed Ed Woodward who, personally, I have no disrespect for. He had orders to follow and had a job to do. From a football perspective, I believe his successor Richard Arnold is more suited for such position. Pity a stupid social media glory hunter betrayed the trust Richard recently showed with some faction of United fans by exposing online a private chat he was having with these fans. This tells you something about the quality of certain so-called Manchester United fans, thinking they have the qualifications to dictate what happens in our football club.

Like millions of Man United fans worldwide I was hoping that Pogba disappears from our football club, once and for all. If possible, erased from the history of Manchester

United. This guy made millions thanks to the incompetence of some people in key positions at Old Trafford. For the second time, he is leaving on a free transfer. The ‘virus’ Mourinho always referred to is now gone. From a football perspective, good riddance. From a business perspective, what a disaster! Sorry to see Mata leaving – one sportsman decorated with all the great things one could ever dream of. Also, sorry to see Jesse leaving. He was born and bred Man Utd but unfortunately mixed with the wrong people and his career went astray. I believe the Frenchman had something to do with this too. Again, I just cannot understand why Man United held his permanent move to West Ham in January when he was doing so well with the Hammers on loan and his career was regaining momentum only for Mr Rangnick to leave him warming the bench for the remainder of the season. Horrendous decisions galore! I loved Cavani but he joined Man united too late. Matic was a great servant to the Club and deserves nothing but praise. We know nothing about Lee Grant really as he was also released. I still think there is more deadwood left to be discharged. Deadwood aside, we all must face the reality that our extremely poor season did not only have a negative effect on the club’s financial income but also affected Ronaldo’s aspirations. I am one of those deeply in love with Cristiano and leaving United because they have not qualified for Champions League will upset this love story I have with him. However, Ronaldo is Ronaldo. Man Utd is Man Utd. No one is better than Ronaldo. No one is bigger than my football team. I understand Ronaldo’s feelings at the age of 37 so I will respect any decision that he will take if that decision is for the benefit of our beloved Manchester United. Now we look forward to the rebuilding stage. Malacia done deal. Eriksen, agreed in principle, could be a bargain. Frenkie de Jong will be another long saga. Lined up Antony from Ajax, Torres from Villarreal, Dumfries from Inter Milan, Bowen from West Ham. There could be more, but these are the ones who have gained most media attention till date. And this does not include Declan Rice. Erik will bring back Van de Beek and hopefully we will see more of the Dutch midfielder. Surprised to see Martial back…I do not think he is Manchester United material. But we must trust the new manager at this stage. Can’t wait for the new season to start!

Enjoy your summer holidays and always be safe...COVID-19 is still around!

Yours United, Teddy