Know that feeling, the knots in your stomach when you know something has gone horribly wrong? You might get it the morning of an exam - or right after a big fight with a person you love. It's that moment when your insides are trying to tell you something - something on the outside - is off.
As I woke up to a couple of cryptic texts all mentioning Sir Alex Ferguson - I sat bolt upright, grabbed my Mac, and typed espnsoccernet as fast as I could. And maybe... maybe a part of me knew what I was going to find. Today was not a weekend, there were no games to justify any banter blowing up my cell at 7 in the morning. But like a little kid who needs to open the closet door to make sure there's no monster hiding inside - I had to look for myself to see if my fear was just a figment of my imagination. But then I saw it, the headline every United fan has dreaded waking up to: our beloved Manager and father figure of 26 years was retiring.
Now, all team loyalty aside - this is a sad day not just for United fans, but for football in general. What we are saying goodbye to is an old school form of management, a hands on approach, and the true Ambassador of an era where Coach's were given the support and time to succeed. Had Ferguson taken over United today, no one knows if he would have accomplished what he has managed to accomplish, the current football atmosphere grants little more than a 2 year window to deliver success.
However, this does not take away from his accomplishments, of which I will not delve into because they are known by all. What I will say is - he taught me a lesson that many parents, teachers, and mentors try relentlessly to teach young people. He brought me an understanding of success that I can only aspire to. As a young kid, I saw an interview of Sir Alex which struck a chord. He said he would tell his players: of 7 shots on target, one will likely go in. Since then I humorously remind myself if I haven't tried something at least 7 times, I've given up much too early.
That's what he gave us. Because under Ferguson - United never gave up. Ever. As long as the whistle hadn't been blown; there was a will and a way to fight. That mantra has guided me through school, work, and on a personal level - supporting a team that gives their all until the last second taught me one of the most important lessons in life. It's not over until you give up. And if you keep trying and banging on the post or shooting a little off target - eventually, one of those shots will go in.
Eventually, you will succeed.
So to the man who for 26 years turned a team I watched into a team I love, I say thank you. This is not about who will replace him or what will become of United after him, this is merely a recognition that some people leave more than just a mark, they leave a legacy.
To Sir Alex Ferguson.
