Being a Manchester United supporter in Malaysia can be a tough experience.
There are football fanatics everywhere in Malaysia. When asked what team do you support, and if you answer 'Manchester United', chances are you will be labelled a glory hunter. A dude who just got on the winner's bandwagon. Who doesn't really care about Manchester United yet buys all sorts of Manchester United's merchandise. Perhaps this is due to jealousy. Envy of Manchester United's success throughout the years.
Allow me to say once and for all. I am a Manchester United Fanatic. I have been supporting the team for past 10 years.
I always thought that being a TRUE Manchester United fan is more than just a being a normal supporter. It is a momentous turning point in one's life. A commitment to a life long journey of being intertwined with the fortunes of Manchester United.
When you are a Manchester United fan like me,your life goes up and down together with the Manchester Team. I always remember the times where i woke up 3am in the middle of the week,with 8am class the next day, just to watch my beloved team. You can feel the pain deep down when Manchester United is losing a game,the frustration when chance after chance goes begging and the ball doesn't go into the net. Alas,when Manchester United score the winner in injury time, you can see and hear me screaming with the top of my lungs. The ecstasy,the euphoric feeling of being on top of the world. Ronaldo,the Brazilian,once voted the most recognizable person in football,once said that 'football is better than sex'.
And that is what i meant by THE MANCHESTER UNITED PASSION. You have a deep bond. This comes from knowing that you are cheering for a team thousand of miles away and they don't know you. Yet, you feel it is more than worth it. That no matter the result in the end,you will be there cheering again the next match,because you know they will rise again from adversity.
A lot of my friends tell me that football is just a dumb game where 22 people chase around trying to put the ball in the back of the net. If it is so,then why does The WORLD CUP, football's biggest tournament,is also the biggest sporting event in the world? Why do more than a billion people follow the sport?
Football for me,has always provided many good values in life. Football promotes youth, unites people, bring people together for the pure spirit of the game. When Manchester United won 2-1 against Bayern Munich by scoring 2 injury time goals,that shows that you must never give up till the end. I get so motivated and goosebumps whenever i recall that memory.
To those who don't understand football or couldn't care less,i'd just like to say that 'i'm sorry,football is just a gift you have yet to receive'. I am a Manchester United fan through and through. How many fans know that in the early days, the Red Devils were known as Newton Heath?
Glory glory Man United, as the Reds go Marching ON ON ON!!!!
