VIEW: United vs Milan. 4-0

As we all remember, it’s fair to
say Beckham left under a slight cloud with regards to the ambiguity of
the move. The fall out with Ferguson
was merely speculated and therefore never legitimately declared as the reason
for his departure, nor was the old ‘tactical change’ chestnut. In fact, nothing
was really said about it; and then suddenly the excitement, potential and eventual
genius of his replacement as no.7 disguised the issue completely.

But what he always wanted, and what
the fans justly deserved, was the opportunity for him to say a proper goodbye.

As his superstardom rose to colossal
heights, he could’ve easily forgotten about his boyhood club in search of
bigger and more fame-friendly things; highlighted quite profoundly by a girl
at work saying today that she had no idea Beckham ever played for United, she just thought he played for Madrid.

Yet he always held the reds close
to his heart, and when the occasion arose, it was all a bit too much…for all of
us. His bottom lip quivered as he waited patiently on the touchline on the 64th minute of last nights tie, and to his approach onto the Old Trafford turf for the first time in seven years, we stood and saluted him (and, of course, hilariously booed him whenever he received the ball).

By that time we were 2-0 up and cruising and rightly in the mood to enjoy his return; comfortably rounding off a glittering performance against one of Europe's most successful sides.

It's fair to say that the fear-factor from the Milan side of ’07 inevitably disappeared as soon as Maldini, Kaka and Ancelloti left, and as soon as the likes of Seedorf and Gatusso were no longer deemed instrumental. So especially after that first-leg set us up nicely for the home tie, this was truly our moment to beat Milan in Europe (over two legs) once and for all. And we did in the most convincing and encouraging manner possible.

Rooney and Park were dominant on the attack, and Rio and Vida were constantly composed; even though it's fair to say a weaker defence would have coped just as well with the minor Milanese threat. Nani was caught in possession (and generally out of position) at times, and Gary Neville frustrated as he became a bit overenthusiastic with his crossing after he set-up Rooney for the opener…but other than those minor fragments of insignificance that minimally impacted the game, it was simply flawless. 

With the tie sealed, attentions now turned fully onto the protest. ‘We’ll never die’ was the anthem, as the Glazers
watched on (and hopefully took note); as Ronaldo’s side stumbled out of the
competition that we are now among the favourite’s to win, and as United
marched on – scoring a 4th for good measure.

And as if it was possible, things got that much sweeter as this near
perfect, flawless night was emotionally enhanced by one of Beckham’s most well-timed and
admirable pieces of public relations.

Staying on for a good few minutes to
applaud the fans singing his name, he finally marched towards the tunnel, only to obtain a Green and Gold scarf from a Stretford Ender. Wearing it proudly – and meaningfully
– around his neck, he looked up and thanked the fans one last time. In
demonstrating his full acknowledgement of the campaign, his legendary status immediately transformed to that of God in one beautiful moment.

Forever and ever we will remember this man and the above image. Arguably
the most media, publicity savvy celebrity on the planet had literally shown
his true colours and shown that the support and love for his club is eternal and more important than his image.

As much as I know that I shouldn’t overlook the result and
truly brilliant performance, the memory of United’s son returning and flinging
that scarf around his neck left me in tears and believing that we can overcome the monstrous, destructive threat posed by our owners. Beckham has since tried to cover his tracks, but at that moment, he knew exactly what he was doing. We all knew what the skinny, floppy haired boy from Essex - once led and guided by Cantona yet now a hero in his own right - was doing. That's how he unashamedly emerged at Old Trafford for the first time in the mid-nineties, and for this, perhaps his last OT appearance, he leaves exactly the same person: United through and through.




You can take the red out of Manchester...