A Tribute to the Foot Soldiers

Last night’s match was one of the best performances by United this season. 4-0 on the night, 7-2 on aggregate, 4 goals by Rooney in the tie – everything a fan can wish for. True Arsenal had just beaten Porto 5-0, but this is Milan we are talking about.

AC Milan, boasting of Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Ambrossini, Beckham, Seedorf, Huntelaar, Flamini & Inzaghi. AC Milan, who had won all their previous 2-legged European ties against Manchester United. AC Milan, who are currently second in Seria A. 

And they were up against an United team which cannot be called full-strength by any stretch of imagination. Carrick suspended, Rooney half-fit, Owen, Anderson, Brown, Hargreaves and Giggs out through injury, and Ferdinand playing 2 consecutive games for the first time since October! 

And yet, we never looked like a team that could concede, and Milan never looked like they could score. For this, the credit should go to those unheralded foot soldiers, who toil match-in match-out while keeping themselves away from all the glitz and glamour. Like the spirited Ji-sung Park, with his limitless reservoirs of energy. Like the infallible Darren Fletcher, a pillar in the midfield for Manchester United. Fitting that the two of them got a goal apiece on the night to commemorate their game. Also included in this small band of players is ever-committed Paul Scholes, who could have become a David Beckham, but chose to be a better footballer instead. They are the engine that drives Manchester United towards their ever-loftier goals. And undoubtedly, the microprocessor controlling the engine is the brain of Sir Alex, who assigned to Park the most important role in the match – that of keeping Pirlo quiet – thus stopping Milan in their tracks. 

Yes, Rooney has been brilliant, Ronaldo unstoppable and Messi has played with more flair. But we should take a step back and pay the respect that is due to these indomitable foot soldiers of Manchester United. For, in the ultimate analysis of who has won what at the end of the season, it is they who will be the difference between success and failure.