Friday 21 December 2012

Ronny's Return: Homecoming King?

First of all, I would like to state that these are my views on the matters I will be discussing, and I have no intention of condemning other Manchester United fans, as everyone has their own opinions.


Manchester United v Real Madrid ... a tie so mouthwatering that Old Trafford and the Santiago Bernabeu may be labelled with flood warnings on the 13th of February and the 5th of March. However, this match made in heaven, will not be focussing on two teams of such glorious history.. but it will be focussed on one man, and one man only..


Every single football fan in the world knows this name, Cristiano Ronaldo. The man deserves recognition as one of the finest footballers to ever grace the beautiful game.. 

Ronaldo left Old Trafford in 2009, becoming the most expensive player ever after a fantastic stint at Manchester United, as he switched from Salford to Santiago. I, as a Manchester United fan, adored Cristiano whilst he was at our club.. yet despite his absence from the United team-sheet for now over 3 years, I feel that some fans love him so much, that they have forgotten the true meaning of Manchester United v Real Madrid.


Here is the head to head record between these two clubs, and there have been some memorable games at both grounds. There has always been a respect between Manchester United and Real Madrid, yet the current generation of Manchester United fans, in my opinion may have a fondness for Real, for the 'wrong' reason.
 Viva Ronaldo Viva Ronaldo 
Running down the wing. 
Hear United sing. 
Viva Ronaldo

This chant is still bellowed out on match days at Old Trafford, and the reason for doing so is understandable, Ronaldo has become a Manchester United legend. My question however, is, should United fans like Real Madrid just because their beloved Cristiano is their main man? When I was in Madrid last summer, I visited the club shop and purchased a training top, yet I witnessed a few United fans, buying official club shirts with Ronaldo on the back. The man is no longer a Manchester United player.. so why?

The reason that Manchester United and Real Madrid are two clubs with respect for each other.. was the aftermath of the Munich Air Disaster. Sir Matt Busby discussed how Real Madrid offered pre-season friendlies to United, with the fee being less than half of their usual rate.. they also offered survivors free holidays to Madrid AND offered the great Alfredo Di Stefano plus Ferenc Puskas on loan to the club. 

If a Manchester United fan has a special fondness of Real Madrid, I believe it should be for this reason, as Real Madrid acted with honour and class.

As a Twitter user (@MisterJPrice) .. I saw, as the draw was unveiled, other Manchester United fans tweeting about a Ronaldo homecoming, and how excited they were to see Ronny back at Old Trafford. Obviously, it will be fantastic to see him again, however United fans must realise that he is the enemy over these two legs and he is contractually and morally obligated to try his very best to knock us out of the competition. I for one, am not a #TeamRonaldo man.. I will be a Team Rafael/Evra fan for these games, as I wish them the very best of luck, and I would like nothing more than for Cristiano Ronaldo to fall into our full-back's pockets.