Читать книгу Glory, Glory Man Utd - Harry Harris - Страница 5

“Iʼve known for about three or four years that he would be stepping down and heʼs changed his mind a couple of times. Heʼs such a fantastic manager. He could go on forever, thatʼs the way he is.”

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON

I AM IN PARADISE. I have been involved with Manchester United virtually all of my life pretty much and itʼs been a fantastic ride – I have loved every minute of it, mostly as a player, and now as a director. I am 75, but I am looking forward to even more good times with Manchester United, I am confident about that. I will keep going for as long as I can. Whatever happens, Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in world terms and that is fantastic.

While nothing can replace being a player, watching Manchester United every game is like being in paradise. What a fantastic club this is and football in England is the best without a doubt; fast, furious, entertaining and skilful. It is a shame that we have struggled a little bit internationally, but Manchester United are the premier club in England, if not the world, and it is just brilliant, exciting.

As for Sir Alexʼs retirement. Well Iʼve known for about three or four years that he would be stepping down and heʼs changed his mind a couple of times. Heʼs such a fantastic manager. He could go on forever, thatʼs the way he is. But maybe with a bit of ill health, on top of not seeing the family, heʼs thought this is the time to do it. He deserves a break. Heʼs got the hip operation and thereʼs just so much pressure on the position. Itʼs very tough. He just loves the game, and people appreciate that.

David Moyes is a great appointment. Perhaps people will be saying, ʼthank God that United are not going to be a threat any moreʼ. But thatʼs a major mistake that they are making. Nothing will change from the philosophy, from Alex Fergusonʼs philosophy and Matt Busbyʼs philosophy. There will be a great future at United, and the football at Old Trafford will remain the same. It has always been a philosophy to attack; never be boring, never be dull. Sir Alex has always stressed that, and the club has never been better than it is now.

I was just a youngster when United won the title in 1955 – 56 and won my first League winnerʼs medal the following season playing with Duncan Edwards. Then there was the George Best, Denis Law era, a magical period and with Matt Busbyʼs philosophy to be the best that we can be, he wasnʼt interested in second best. He wanted to win the League, as that was the only way to qualify for the European Cup, and he wanted to be the best team in Europe, if not the world.

To win 20 League titles is something special, and I am delighted to have contributed to a book that looks at all 20 titles and in particular the contribution of all the players and managers associated with this fantastic football club.

Sir Bobby Charlton