Exhibition matches have been getting some airplay and publicity here in the States. The World Football Challenge, as it’s been dubbed for theatrics and drama, has gathered a fair amount of viewers and match-goers. That’s because lots has changed in the landscape of football here in America. A change that is headed in a positive direction. So with all the tours going on, fans are flocking to venues – well, not for City matches – and taking in the beautiful game. If you’re overseas and have been watching via links or even if you’re Stateside and have been watching on ESPN or FSC, you’ve no doubt heard the commentators, sponsors, advertisers, and programs hyping up the biggest game of the entire exhibition summer – Manchester United vs. Barcelona.
One can argue – because anyone can argue – that these two clubs, the most successful in both of their respective countries, are the best teams on the planet. For me, there really is no debate. It’s a fact. We are, far and away, the two best teams in the universe. And as much as it pains me to say it, Barcelona is the better of the two. They had our number in the CL Final in 2009 and they had our number this year, too. They ooze class and skill that many teams can only hope to emulate. Pundits fawn all over them. Messi can do no wrong. Their MF has immunity from any and all criticism. Xavi and Iniesta are untouchable. Really, we’ve heard it all. Included in that all is the fact that some of our fans won’t be happy until we’re better than them. Each prospective signing gets the up and down evaluation on how they’ll help us be a team like Barcelona. It eats them alive to the point of near dementia.
I just don’t think we can approach our team that way. There is only one Barcelona, and they are in Spain. We see them in friendly competitions during the summers and during an unlucky draw in CL competition. Sure, I would love to crush them when we play. I would’ve loved to be the champions of England and champions of Europe. Who wouldn’t? But, we can’t get carried away with trying to mold our team, - 19 time champions of England – after a team that we won’t be guaranteed to see at least twice a season on a home and away. We’ve made our own success by being a team that others want to be like. Fergie has done an immaculate job of picking players – even ones that we wonder about (Chicharito, most recently) – and making us competitive. I’m sure he wants to beat Barcelona when we play them. Who wouldn’t? But, the most important focus is on our league. We hunkered down, focused on the BPL, and took home our 19th title.
Fergie alters the squad when he sees fit, never once thinking, “Oh, we should look like Barcelona on the pitch." La Liga is a different animal. We always hear, “Well, can Messi do it on a rainy night in Stoke?” The fact is, maybe he can’t. But there’s no denying his ability or the ability of Barcelona. In that same vain, that doesn’t mean we need to be Barcelona. We’re a more physical team, but within the BPL, we’re a finesse team, too. We have solid defenders like Vidic, who’ll make you soil yourself if you’re within 60 yards of him. Our MF needs attention, but we’ve always had a MF that creates, tracks, and holds. “Can United score?...They always score!” is around for a reason. We’ve had some of the best scorers in the world on our team – players like Cantona, Van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo, Rooney, Beckham, Best, Charlton, Law, etc.
All of these elements make us the team we are today. And all of these elements don’t work together if we’re trying to be some other team. Our success has come by doing it our own way. So why try and be like some other team? Come Saturday at FedEx Field, there are going to be 97,000 fans flocking to see the two best clubs on the planet play a football match. I’m sure all the Barcelona fans will taunt and cheer, and give me the business about how they’ve had our number. But that’s okay, I’m happy to support my club. A club that other clubs want to be like – not the other way around. Sure, we’re no Barcelona, and I’m fine with that.
Follow Jason on Twitter at @JasTheDevil
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