Postby Games_Bond » Tue Jun 26, 2012 9:01 am
I realise that being a Manchester United fan is about as socially acceptable as tax dodging or taking a leak in someone's letter box, but having followed Manchester United since the age of 8 I think I need to balance this thread somewhat. What's that I hear you say? I, who have on this site already nailed my colours to the mast as a Scottish football supporter, affiliated to the Red Devils? All will become clear in a moment.
I do not see viking's comments as an out-and-out attack on Manchester United (heck, there was enough things in there that I agree with), but what I am also unsure of is exactly what the overall point is. Viking, is this a hypothesis that Manchester United are about to crumble and fall? Perhaps a hope? Don't bet your house on it just yet.
First I must explain my affiliation with Manchester United. I am an Aberdeen fan, first, foremost, die hard Don. (And boy do we die hard). But before Alex Ferguson was Sir Alex Ferguson, before he became the world's greatest manager, he cut his teeth making Aberdeen the best team in Scotland (and, for a short time, Europe). Yes, he is/was also an a**e. But so many great people are. So there's a link that is as valid today as it ever was. It is also because when I was at the point of taking an interest in English football, Manchester United were "representing England" on the European stage. (This was back in the days when I hadn't heard the words "nineteen sixty-six" enough times to withdraw my support for England whenever they were playing and Scotland weren't.) With a combination of those factors, Manchester United established themselves as my "second team", or, if you like, my English team.
Now to address the "reasons". Before I start, I shall say that what I say is a personal response, and not a rebuttal, since I think viking is right in that these points ARE reasons why Manchester United are hated by those who are not Manchester United supporters.
Only in good times
Oh, how I wish that were the case for me. Yes, I enjoy it when Man U win. But it always hurts when they lose (or draw, which for them is tantamount to a loss more often than not). Always. And yes, I admit, I have tried to turn my back on Man U, to "not care", to think "I don't owe them any loyalty, my team is Aberdeen", but try as I might, I cannot stop caring when Man U lose. So I am not one of the "only in good times" supporters, because the fact is, I cannot stop supporting them. Literally can't. And I am not saying that every Man U fan is like me. All I'm saying is I'm not the only one like me either.
Manchester United are perceived as a team who has a large base of "glory hunting" fans. Even Roy Keane, their own player, said that x thousand of them were only part of the prawn sandwich brigade. But lets face it - EVERY team has Home fans that are in the prawn sandwich brigade. Every team has fans that only sing when they're winning. And success attracts larger crowds in every single part of the country. Of course it is worse at Manchester United. They have a large fan base to start with and frankly, who wants to pay £42 to watch crap football? So naturally there are many who won't come unless they expect it to be a good show - just as you wouldn't pay to go to the theatre unless you expected a good performance.
Once again
Again, this is a reason, but only becuase this is what is perceived and not actually the case. How many Premier League Managers have had more disciplinary measures (touchline bans, fines etc) than Sir Alex Ferguson? The reason he wins so many cases against the FA is because he makes so many cases - he fights his corner at times when other managers would just give up. On a purely percentage basis, of course he's going to win some, and because of the sheer amount of fights he's had, that "some" tends to be more than other manager's total victories. He will even fight the odd "losing battle" on principle. For example, every manager is subjected to the odd game where their team are robbed by an incompetent referee. But he has the balls to publicly say it. Why does he do it? Because he likes getting touchline bans? No - it's because if he kicks up enough fuss, the amount of times it happens will be few and far between. Bullies go for the easiest target more often than not, and Sir Alex is apt to constantly remind them that he will stand up to them. Aberdeen has been plagued with incompetent referees for years, yet a succession of managers have hardly ever criticised them. Hence, they get away with it. {Note: Scottish referees deserve a completely separate thread}. I don't quite get the last bit about penalties? The only way I can make sense of it is assume you are suggesting Manchester United have not, in 20 years, had a penalty against them that shouldn't have been given? Try telling that to Darren Fletcher, who missed the Champions' League Final against Chelsea because Arsenal got a penalty that they never should have had. Every team gets penalties they shouldn't get - unless of course they are Blackburn Rovers a few seasons ago.
Even Worse
Growing up, Champions' League football (group stages) were always shown on Wednesday by ITV. Then, one year, they changed to Tuesday. Manchester United played a lot of Wednesday matches that year. This coincided with a time Manchester United weren't doing so well domestically. They are back to Wednesdays now, but I can't say I see a significant increase in Manchester United live matches. Then again, it is hard for me to say as I am not in on Wednesdays. Also, I have no idea what the situation with TV is in Norway (or if you are based there or elsewhere viking? In other words, I can't give an informed opinion about your exact situation). But I'll assume for a moment that there is a Manchester United bias on TV. The only (and I mean the only) reason for that will be that this is the arrangement that is most profitable for the TV company. It's all about the money.
But the absolutely worst
Hear, hear. As a Manchester United fan I can vouch for just about everything you just said. Manchester United are sensational - when they want to be. But their players don't seem to want to play their best football every week. They are full of pri-madonnas. Too many times last season they just didn't make the effort required to win a match. If you think that is infuriating as a non Man-U fan, try being one.
But tasteless? Ok, I accept your point about the players (mentioned above). And I accept that there are "fans" that jump on the band wagon. But you can't exactly kick them out of the stadium once they've bought their ticket. And no, they don't need help from the referee. But just remember it is just as bad for the TRUE supporters. Every time Ashley Young "earns" a penalty, we're going to be hearing how lucky Manchester United are, even if they win 25-0. Happens all the time with any team - for example, World Cup 2010 Germany v England. Just because England played well for three minutes, every England fan felt that meant that the disallowed goal was crucial - despite the fact Germany walked all over them for the other 87 minutes.
And fortunately? Don't count on it, haters. Manchester United have been "finished" before, but they've bounced back every time. After all, Arsenal and Chelsea (in my viewing life time) have had their era of dominance, only to have been battered back down to fighting just for a top 4 spot. Manchester City are the team to beat right now, but the carpet will be pulled from under them too. Manchester United will out-live Sir Alex Ferguson, although when he steps down it will certainly be the end of an era.
This brings me on to my final point...
For an article that explains reasons why Manchester United are so hated, viking misses out the obvious and truest one:
They are the biggest team
Everyone that doesn't support the biggest team hates them. It happens in every league. Manchester United are a massive company; a global brand. They have a status that City can't buy. They only need to win something every so often to be one of the big boys. And it all boils down to an inner jealousy. After all, don't you wish your club was as big, as powerful, as successful, as rich, and yes, as hated - as Manchester United?