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I sit here on my laptop numb, listening to U2’s ‘Acrobat’ (which really reminds me of Sir Alex Ferguson), while tears stroll down my face, and my mind replays the incredible memories and gifts this great Scotsman has given me and the world of football.
I’m still hoping somewhere Rio Ferdinand will pop up and tell us all we’ve been ‘Merked’, because I just can’t imagine him not being there, he is all I know, he is Manchester United.
There have been a hundreds of articles released by journalists around the world about the man himself, his impact, his legacy and what will happen next to United.
This, however, is just my take, my ode on a man who has given me a sense of fulfillment, joy and undying love that no other sector in my life could give me.
When I began following United I was eight years of age. Sir Alex came out then and said he was going to retire, and when I think about that day, I think about the what ifs.
Imagine he had walked away then, my entire life would’ve been so much different.
My most memorable season under Sir Alex has to be the 2008 season; not just for winning the double, but for the way we won the double, the football that was played, the spirit that was shown.
That season was the 50th Anniversary of the Munich air disaster, and comparisons were coming from every corner. But Sir Alex developed his own legacy, his own crop of legends.
The performances of the ‘little stars’ like Wes Brown. I will never forget that pin-point cross Wes put in for Ronaldo to open the scoring. This just shows Sir Alex’s ability to bring out the best of our boys, with the trust he instills in them.
Fergie’s reaction right after that victory was talking about his ambitions for next season. He never lived in the moment for too long, that winning mentality always made him look to the next challenge.
I’ve been criticised by family members and friends about my reaction to his retirement; they say it’s just football.
But football is all I’ve had for a very long time, it’s been their for me through my best, and through my darkest hours, it’s kept me sane, it’s given me fulfillment like no other, and I doubt that would’ve been the case if my club over the last decade was managed by any other man.
Its going to be ridiculously odd not seeing him tap that watch, chew that gum, tell the press what all us United supporters have been thinking about the ref’s performance.
There will be no more Fergie’isms, no more remarks about him giving ‘insert player’s name’ the infamous hairdryer. His infectious smile and laugh will be gone, we will just be left with a bank of memories that will be passed on to our children’s children.
So we must not be sad he is gone; but be incredibly grateful he was here.
So I’ll raise a glass to the king of English football, while getting choked up on my emotions, and say, “Thank you.”
Enjoy your rest, Boss.
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