--------------------------------- [34] More on Great United Songs --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, November 8, 2001 by bar-knee: See earlier request in the news.
We've already had a great response so keep those classic United fan songs coming in. We're particularly interested in ones that have appeared since the last edition in 1998, players' songs from over the years - and does anyone have the full verses for we went down to Barca one fine day in May (the revised change from the old Wembley version). [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------- [33] A red perspective --------------------------------- Posted Thursday, November 8, 2001 by bar-knee: Manchester United have always had inspirational qualities on and off the field. Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Jaap Stam, Peter Schmichael, Gary Pallister........Players who have donned the famous red shirt in recent times, players who have worn their heart on their sleeve, gone in where it hurts, and players who have never been afraid to voice their opinions on the field. Looking at the current team you wouldn't be far wrong in saying that the players can let the football they play do the talking, and some of the football they play is like poetry in motion. Still at times you have to marvel at the sheer passion and determination displayed in Roy Keanes body language, the drive that he brings to the team and his fearless character. You wouldn't want to put a foot wrong or you'd be on the end of a bollocking in front of 67,000 supporters. Keane has been missing from the front line recently due to injury and while Beckham, Giggs and Veron may have the skill and flair to get you on the edge of your seat and leave you gasping with admiration. Keane has the ability to get you off your seat with a crunching tackle and leave you punching the air shouting 'get in there'. We have missed our captain greatly and it's made me think back over the Ferguson reign to the great leadersip qualities we have possessed. During the mid-nineties the team was full of passion, with players that couldn't help let it spill over on to the field of play. Look at the famous back-line of Schmiechel, Bruce and Pallister. Schmichael was not afraid to challenge anyone, including Bruce and Pallister!!!! The midfield was graced with the combatitive nature of Robson, Keane and Ince, who would battle relentlessly in the pursuit of victory. Jaap Stam was brought in after Bruce and Pallister retired gracefully after years of battling in United's cause. Stam had the power and passion, but also matched this with impecable timing and immaculate tackling. He turned defending into an art form and I lost count of the times during his first season where he went flying into a challenge to crunch the opposition player and glide away with the ball. Looking at the players we have lost from the defence in recent years, Bruce, Pallister, Schmichael and most recently Stam, you have to notice that they haven't been replaced by players of a similair nature. Has it all gone quiet at the back? Then again, look around. Football has changed dramatically over the last decade, With wages reaching astronomical levels, not many players will have the guts to challenge their fellow colleagues in case they rock the boat. Not when they're getting £20K a week in their back pocket. I'm not sure exactly what point I'm trying to make, really to highlight the importance of Keane in the team and also the fact that we are really missing Stam. In my humble opinion Stam was the only world class defender we had. It's hard to criticise such a cracking football team, in fact I can't remember the last time I did as we have been spoilt so much over the last few seasons. However it is clear to see that we need a leader in defence and a settled back four. There is of course a long way to go and some cracking games to look forward to. Bayern, Arsenal, Chelsea and Boavista are coming up soon. I'm sure Ferguson and Keane will see us through. Murray Easton Glasgow Reds
