The Final Whistle

Last nights game at Old Trafford was a clear reminder of what Manchester United are all about. Over the years Sir Alex Ferguson has over seen many a United team. Players have come and gone, and there’s been many a change of guard. But one thing that has never changed and that’s United’s inability to give up, to fight to the bitter end.

Defensive errors saw United go two goals down at 3-1. The final flurry by United last night against CSKA Moscow, was typical United. The fight back was not about winning, nor was it about maintaining a undefeated record, it was about pride and honour.

United do not give up easily, they fight on and this is a characteristic of all Fergusons teams through the years. From Marks Huges late goal against Oldham in 1994 FA Cup semi final. The goal granted United a replay, they would go to win the cup. The Champions League final 1999, United fought to the end and pressured Bayern Munich. There reward two late goals in injury time and victory.

There seems to be a mentality about United teams. United don't except score lines. If you’re going to be defeated, then lose fighting. When you take the fight on, work hard and don't give up you get results like United.

A lot is made about the so called 'Fergie Time' but United play to the final whistle, and these days very few matched end on the ninetieth minute. United don't create injury time their opposition do. Under pressure oppositions crumble. They start fouling, faking injury, making substitutes all adds to the injury time.

At Old Trafford you have to play to the end, the final whistle. United will never lose without a fight. This is a trate embedded in all United sides since Ferguson became manager. It is not that often you will see a United team slump to a defeat. Watching the game last night you just knew, you felt United were going to claw this game back and they did.

Even as they equalised United were not finished. They continued to pressure and hunt down a victory. Open at the back as they pressurised CSKA, they ran the risk of being hit on the counter. Having equalised United did not close up and accept the point. They fought on in seeking victory.

As they say you have to create your own luck, and last night United did. A wicked deflection of a Valencia long shot made it all square. If United had accepted defeat, given up that shot would never have happened, and the point not saved. Over twenty years at the helm, opposition still don’t realise that Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United do not give up, especially at Old Trafford.