A football club which is run the right way and is
arguably the world’s most popular sport institution. Fitting both statements in
the same sentence seems an almost impossible task, but Manchester United have
made it possible. A proof of this assertion is the fact that United is an
example of successful globalization without losing their English soul. A
perfect match to be remain competitively on-top on and off the pitch.
Manchester
United are a global entity with an estimated global fan base of 659 million
(and counting) human beings from all walks of life, albeit it can still be
considered as a family and local club. For instance, those players coming from
overseas tend to quickly settle in the city of Manchester and gel with the
environment of the club. As Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa has recently
pointed out: “I’m able to focus only on football in Manchester, which is very good for a football player.” If a player is willing to have a long and successful professional career, Old Trafford is certainly the place to be. Otherwise, if a player is basically interested in earning money, there are plenty of other places to look at, especially Manchester City.
Some fans
might reckon that having players originally coming from so many different
cultures could end up affecting the soul and essence of the club. However,
Manchester United are still the most English club in terms of how they approach
the game, as they keep playing with pace, passion, without diving and trying to
entertain the fans, something that cannot be said by Manchester City
supporters. In addition, United’s current squad boast as many as 8 English
senior international players.
And
finally what most matters. Manchester United do care about the local community
by tirelessly organizing activities and setting schemes through the Manchester
United Foundation and working hard to ensure every Mancunian kid has a chance
to play for them if he deserves it.
Manchester United 2012-2013 Squad
*Players who have featured in a competitive match
during the 2012-2013 current season.
- England: Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young, Nick Powell, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Michael Keane, Scott Wooton, Ryan Tunnicliffe (12)
- The Netherlands: Alexander Büttner, Robin van Persie (2)
- Brazil: Rafael Da Silva, Anderson Oliveira (2)
- Scotland: Darren Fletcher (1)
- Wales: Ryan Giggs (1)
- Northern Ireland: Jonny Evans (1)
- Republic of Ireland: Robbie Brady (1)
- Spain: David De Gea (1)
- Denmark: Anders Lindegaard (1)
- Serbia: Nemanja Vidić (1)
- France: Patrice Evra (1)
- Belgium: Marnick Vermijl (1)
- Portugal: Luis Nani (1)
- Ecuador: Antonio Valencia (1)
- Japan: Shinji Kagawa (1)
- Mexico: Javier Hernández (1)
- Norway: Joshua King (1)
- Italy: Federico Macheda (1)
Writer: Juan Manuel @theredinsider
No comments:
Post a Comment