UN-SUNG HERO FIRES UNITED
South Korean deserves praise for his part in United's march on glory
AS David Beckham was playing hide and seek with camera crews at the Emirates on Wednesday, Bobby Charlton emerged almost unnoticed.
As ever, Sir Bobby had the grace to offer his views on the night's events when asked.
Manchester United's swaggering destruction of Arsenal to reach the European Cup final seemed to vindicate a view expressed in this column some weeks ago that this particular team is emerging as United's best of ALL TIME.
A rather sweeping statement perhaps. But there is unquestionably something really special about this United side, blessed, as it is, with an abundance of skill, sweat and spirit.
If George Best was the sword of United's great side in the late 60's then Charlton was the soul.
He was also part of the legendary Busby Babes and in latter years, Sir Bobby has seen the various incarnations of Alex Ferguson's teams, not least the fabled Treble side of 1999.
So who better to gauge this United side? I asked Sir Bobby if this could become regarded as the best United team of all.
Without hesitation he replied: "Absolutely. They could become the greatest. And actually this team probably already is. It's just magic at the moment and you have to enjoy it while it's here.
"I enjoy it. You enjoy it, too. And, I tell you what, it was really nice at the end that a lot of Arsenal fans applauded."
So it was, in such contrast to the bile at Stamford Bridge the following night. While I love a conspiracy theory, the one which claims UEFA nobbled an admittedly poor referee to make sure Chelsea didn't get through is as credible as claiming Elvis still lives.
Then again, if it WAS a conspiracy to give us the 'Hollywood final', then why not?
Already the showdown between Ronaldo and Messi or Henry and Rooney whets the appetite and will dominate the pre-match hype. One player will hardly get a mention: United's Ji-Sung Park. But he should.
There used to be a joke that the first player from the Far East to make a mark in English football was United's Young Lee Sharpe.
At last Park has proved he is around to do more than sell T-shirts.
The South Korean has been an unsung hero all season. His display on Wednesday, while less spectacular than Ronaldo's, was no less significant.
It highlighted his unselfish contribution to the team when his run and finish made the most of Ronaldo's work to score the first and he was an integral part of United's third - that team goal of the season.
Fergie says his biggest regret a year ago was not even selecting Park for the squad that beat Chelsea in Moscow. He won't make the same mistake again.
It won't be a walk IN the park when United face Barca. But if this United side are to take a stride towards greatness it will be with the substantial aid of a walk WITH Park.
This article has 4 comments
Park , without any hessitation is one of the finest player in the team . His work rate was always tremendous ... come on Park ... go on ...you will be one the United greatest
By omar_ManU. Posted May 13 2009 at 6:00 PM.
Park, Park where ever you may be!
By gary dornan. Posted May 10 2009 at 10:04 AM.
One of the finest player at United. Reminds me of
Jesper Blomqvist in 1999. Jesper like park was the unsung hero of the winning formular. ji speed of game as always been good but now his crossing and passing are excellent and Ji will pop up with the odd goal to put the cherry on the top of a remarkable player. They would que up if ji was for sale. Its makes a mockery of those that said United only signed him to sell replica shirts. Shep thumps up great story.
By carl warmington. Posted May 10 2009 at 7:47 AM.
Ji is a fantastic player, i would be surprised if so called ' Man Utd fans' still dont rate Ji as a fantstic player. YEAH GO PARK
By Kevin. Posted May 10 2009 at 12:37 AM.