It’s not everyday that one gets to listen to Manchester United songs and chants live here. However, on Tuesday evening, as the fans loosened their vocal chords, one could have been forgiven for believing this is Old Trafford.
The club anthem reverberated in the Manchester United Store, which was thronged by fans, who not only got to meet their idols and former Red Devils Denis Irwin and Quinton Fortune but also got a glimpse of the English Premier League trophy.
And Irwin has been a part of the team which has lifted this trophy seven times. So, what does it take for a team to win this prestigious cup?
“Hard work is most important. Obviously, we’ve got and had some fantastic players. You need some key and special players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. We need skills, passion, enthusiasm and a fantastic support and teamwork,” said Irwin, who had donned the United jersey.
Fortune added, “Every single person from the club makes you feel special. And I think, when people come from India to Old Trafford, we realise how special the club is.”
And they both agree that the success wheel of the club is being driven by manager Alex Ferguson, who has been with the club for the past 25 years.
Irwin, who has worked with Ferguson for 12 years, cannot praise him enough. “It’s just his hunger and passion that drives him. He’s the first one to walk into the club in the morning and the last one to leave. He’s very knowledgeable, fair and honest. He’s a fantastic manager.”
Irwin, who was considered one of the best signings by Ferguson, believes that the new United players are promising. “We’ve got experienced players but our team is made up of young players. We haven’t seen (Paul) Pogba that much yet, but he is going to be a fantastic player.
“Unfortunately, Tom Cleverley has been injured. So, we haven’t seen much of him. Danny Welbeck has made huge strides and there are many others.”
Fortune says Ferguson’s ability to adjust is what makes him different from the other managers. “He’s seen so many different teams. There are new and young players in the club who have a different mentality. So, he has to change as a manager as well and grow. But his desire to be a manger and be with the players and win the championships year after year is just brilliant,” he said.
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