Showcase: 1998/99 Treble season jerseys - All 5 of them!

Treble destiny is in the Old Trafford air again!!

At least it looks that way this part of the season so far...

As such, I bring to you ... not one, not two, not three, not four ... *drum roll*

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

The 1998/99 season jerseys
(at least the ones I have)





TREBLE IMMORTALITY!

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

Home red - For EPL and FA Cup

One of the favourite United Umbro jerseys of all time, characterised by the famous Umbro logos running down the sleeves of the jersey.



The long-sleeved one, one of the first few I bought, from a rather nice Singaporean chap who didn't really wear it (it stank of the long-term-closet smell when I bought it! *argh*). So, it found a caring owner who gives it the love it's due! Printed the TREBLE 99 later.




The short-sleeved one, a very nice commemorative edition forever etching our elite (damn I hate that word) historic triumph. Saw the special logo yet? The chap who sold me this sold a lot more jerseys to me, apparently he needed to get married (or so I was told). His loss, my gain *grin*

Pity Stam left acrimonously (at least then).


UEFA Champions' League (UCL) jersey

Umbro made this jersey for our 1997-2000 UCL campaigns, with the 1999-2000 season jersey bearing two stars for our two European triumphs (and more to come!) I don't intend to get the two-star version - for those who are egging me on to buy more (evil man, you!) - not unless I'm offered a really really good deal.




Fitting that I should be able to hold a UCL jersey bearing Captain Roy Keane: who can forget his inspirational performance in the UCL semi-finals away against Juventus? I could go on and on and on about that awesome victory, but that one for another time. Again, credit to that gonna-get-married bloke.


Away white jersey - the "Ryan Giggs" one

Showcased earlier, the famous jersey known for the Ryan Giggs wonder solo goal against Arsenal, against all odds, to clinch our place at Wembley.

(and oh, did I mention that after the showcase, we whacked Arsenal 4-0?? :)



Will look to print GIGGS 11 soon.


3rd away kit (black)

One thing I like about this jersey is that the black material is comfortable and kinda shiny, plus the lime-green strips enhance its classy feel. Not many notable matches played in this kit though.





(Should have tried using camera flash, saw before that the UMBRO at the back would reflect the shine man!)


Goalkeeper's shirt (EPL) - Peter Schmeichel's swansong jersey

One of my favourite keepsakes, this is the famous shirt in which Peter Schmeichel stood tall and proud lifting the three trophies. Lasting memory of Schmeichel lifting the huge UCL trophy with Sir Alex Ferguson - though Schmeichel wears a different-design jersey for UCL matches (without the Umbro logo lined down the sleeves).






Trivial: do you know that Schmeichel wears XXXL size? His shirts are specially made for him. Literally the GREAT Dane!

Of course, I bought M sized replicas, hahahahahaha. Will be printing SCHMEICHEL 1 very soon.

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

Well, it's been a long showcase, but I am thinking of showcasing jersey sets season by season, rather than each individual jersey (unless a particular one stands out). Let me know what you think? 'Til the next time ... look out for post-match thoughts against Fulham, if I can get into the writing groove. Cheers!

Treble II ahead!

You know it was coming right? I am still flowing with pride just reminiscing about our glorious Treble achievement in 1999 - which is still to me a most magical year in my life yet, when I met and dated Fern 'til now (you're the best, hunnie!)

OK, mush aside *grin*, 1998/99 season is still "THE season of all seasons" for any top football club to emulate (to quote the commentator in "The Treble" season review DVD).



I know it seems like I never got out of a past achievement, as probably rival fans would like to point out gleefully (then again, we are probably as guilty gloating over Manchester City's looooooooooooooooooooong history, Liverpool's awesome 18 titles ... and may I add a dig here: it's been a consistent 18 titles since :P

Sorry to any Pool fans at this point, though I don't have many friends who are Pool fans. The Liverpool friends who are nice, they are not so hardcore fans; IMO, seems that the really hardcore ones are quite hard to get along. But I digress already.

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

Still, there's a buzz about this season's momentum that has gotten us thus far:
As of today (26th February)
- We are second behind Arsenal (only three points behind) and fast catching up
- We have also knocked them out of the FA Cup
- Spurs had won the League Cup (Carling Cup), and
- We are set up towards European glory (currently, taking a 1-1 draw against Lyon to Old Trafford for 2nd leg).

Sounds familiar? 9 years ago, the stage was similar:
- Neck-to-neck with Arsenal, then the Double champions, in the League
- Knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup in an epic thriller
- Spurs won the League Cup, then known as the Worthington Cup.
- Knocked out big teams one by one en route to the final



It does feel like a season of destiny again, doesn't it United fans?? Just like in 1999 when Manchester United won it all! Then, the feeling began when we tossed Liverpool out of the FA Cup 5th round in a thrilling last-minute winner after going 1-0 down to a Michael Owen header; this time, that sense of excitement pervaded as we showed Arsenal the door with an emphatic 4-0 victory.

The last time we completed the Treble at the Nou Camp, I was with scousers. Can only hope and pray that this time, I will get to celebrate with my loved ones, as well as my ManUtdSG buddies, the ultimate triple triumph that is destined to be ours again.

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

PS. look out for my next showcase VERY soon! Boy, am I super excited at my newest acquisition, the Schmeichel jersey won during the Treble season! *grin*

Post MUFCSG vs. Gooners FC

Final score: 3 - 3

In a highest exhibition of friendly rivalry at its best, team ManUtdSG fought back from 0-3 down in the first half to salvage a 3-3 draw 2 minutes from the end. The Gooners went 3-0 up in a 7 minute blitz from a combination fo a lapse of concentration from our defence and well-oiled running play from the Gooners' forwards, culminating into an exquisite shot that curled into the top-right corner of Ariff's goal. Ariff, who had an absolutely outstanding game, otherwise managed to keep the Gooners out for the remaining of the match.

Weijie had a brilliant game to score a hat-trick, as we fought back to 3-1 at half-time, and with brilliant team play, ManUtdSG sealed a memorable comeback 3-3 draw. In the end, the draw was the perfect score for both sides who came to play football at its amateur best.


Other highlights: the game threatened to call off due to oversight on referee booking and almost unreasonable behaviour from an official. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and the game was allowed to carry on.

Flag banner was exchanged before and after the game, in a great show of sportsmanship. Though tempers did occasionally threaten to boil over as both sets of players displayed passion for the game, the game was overall remembered for the bonds forged on the field, and very eye-pleasing football from both sides who both deserve a result from the game.

We (at least, I personally) hope for a return friendly soon, and many more for years to come.


ManUtdSG forum post

ArsenalSingapore forum post


More pics to come soon!

United with Arsenal

Just a short post (will showcase another jersey another time):

Whether Arsenal is our title rival or not, we United fans (well, at least we decent ones) do not wish to see ANY footballer to suffer such a horrendous injury as Eduardo da Silva ("Dudu") did against Birmingham's Taylor.

Granted, I did not watch the match, I did not read any reports (except soccernet.com's report) on what actually transpired yet. Oh, and Wenger's call for a lifetime ban on Taylor. Thus, I'm in no position to comment on whether Taylor deserves a harsh punishment or not.

However, I, and numerous fellow United fans, agree that we want to wish Dudu a most speedy recovery. This transcends football or results or even titles won. I don't wish to gloat on Arsenal's dropped points, especially when the Gunners were probably affected by Dudu's injury.

Kickoff against Keegan's Newcastle in exactly 2 minutes time (at time of posting). Update soon.

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

5 - 1 win over Newcastle ... proud of you lads.

ManUtdSG 3 - 3 Gooners FC ... great game!


(Clarah, you deserve better... daddy always love you.)

New Anderson song!!

As posted in the ManUtdSG forum by acman, here's Anderson's new song!!


(to the tune of ag-a-doo)

Aaan - deeer ... son-son-son
He's better than Kleberson
Anderson-son-son
Our... midfield magician

On his left ... On his right
To the samba beat tonight
He is class ... with a brass
And he shits on Fabregas!

(repeated!)

I think our poor Siren won't be pleased (well, not "our", Arsenal's! *heh heh*)


The tune:



That makes it two songs for our Predator! (The Poo'isque "Anderson ... Anderson" obviously doesn't sound classy at all)

MerV


PS. Andy, thanks for your feedback on the black background man, appreciate your input. I've decided though to stick with the white-on-black, kinda ups the cool factor. Not many reads my blog anyway.


Added:

Anderson ... oh-oh-oh-oh!
Anderson ... oh-oh-oh-oh!
He owns that Fabregas!
Makes him look like an @$s!



(Sorry my Arsenal friends, just did it out of fun, no malice *grin*... he's a respectable playmaker, but sometimes gets too heated up, is my opinion.)

Olympique Lyonnais 1 - 1 Manchester United

Great comeback, proud of our lads' fighting spirit to grab back our very deserved equalizer in the 87th minute, after Karim Benzema struck a really sweet snap grounder to power Lyon ahead early in the 2nd half.


(Picture from BBC.co.uk, thank you)


Kudos to our boys' last minute goal, after Nani delivered an awesome cross for Rooney(?) to meet the cross, leaving Tevez free to volley home.

Could have been a victory for us, but we'll take our precious away goal and look forward to 3rd March for our return battle at Old Trafford. Looking forward to Roma'nize Lyon!

A tired good night!

Showcase: 1992/93 home jersey (commemorative edition)

Did you enjoy the first jersey showcase? Especially sweet given how we nailed Arsenal in the FA Cup. How fitting a legendary jersey to showcase as the first one. Only regret is, Ryan Giggs did not take part in the breathtaking match (how fitting it would be, especially if he had scored).

Never mind, he's rested for the Champions' League tie later. Should I add? Our Champions' League victory over Lyon later. Time to stuff Perrin's arrogance back in his where-the-sun-doesn't-shine.

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

Presenting: 1992/1993 season home jersey

Description: Home, collared and laced (Newton-Heath era)
Sponsors: Umbro, Sharp
Used: 1992 - 1993
Player printed: Ryan GIGGS 11
Special feature: Embroidered with "F.A. Premier League Champions 1992-93"
Known for: The first home strip produced by Umbro for Manchester United, it also became the home kit of the first-ever English Premier League champions. First home kit worn by Eric Cantona, and Ryan Giggs when he burst onto the scene as a precocious 16-year-old winger with, literally, wings on his feet!



What would have been the first showpiece to present, as this jersey is the one worn when I first followed Manchester United, after the heartbreak of losing the title to Leeds United prior to the introduction of the FA Premier League (remember? It used to be called "First Division").

And so, how fitting it is for Manchester United to lift the very first Premier League trophy, a team destined for greatness in the Premiership era.

When I saw this jersey, it was like, Whoa!, perfect lor! With Ryan Giggs (my all-time favourite United legend) printed behind, "F.A. Premier League Champions 1992-93" embroidered (we're the first! Beginning of 90s ownage!) ... though I sometimes wonder if the embroidery's fake or not:


The jersey has a watermark too, presumably to deter counterfeiters at that time (not sure if it's clear in the pic or not):



The embroidery:



Ryan Giggs:

So unfortunate that the numbering has faded and peeled over time. What to do, the jersey (and printing) is over 16 years old!



I guess for its old condition (many bobbles, number worn off), I paid a little too much for it. Nevertheless, what a joy to hold a very rare vintage in my hand (and furthermore, it's my size too!)

So, I suppose I'll wear this jersey on the day we lift the Premiership trophy come May (yeah baby! I believe in our lads! :D)

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

Will update post-match (Olympique Lyon vs Manchester United, UCL 2nd round 1st leg) ... if I can keep awake.

AND THE REDS GO MARCHING
ON! ON! ON!!

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

FA Cup 2008 5th round - Manchester United 4-0 Arsenal: What a perfect response!!

FWHWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Who would have thought!!!

I would never have imagined that, after predicting a 5-0 win on the ManUtdSG prediction contest just out of kicks, I would actually believe that I'd hit the right score for once (after a looooooooooooong time!). In case those who were at the Crab Shack was wondering why I was already screaming for a 5-0 scoreline when we went 2-0 up from the 20th minute onwards!

(For those not in the know, the Prediction contest is a season long contest, most points for guessing correct score and correct FIRST scorer wins a prize supposedly sponsored by Crab Shack ... which I highly doubt would happen...?)

Oh well, at least I got my first scorer correct (also, for once!) - Rooney!

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

Well, I had wanted to keep this blog a simple collation of my latest hobby: United jersey collection ... but I suppose the blog bug has hit. Oh well, as promised earlier, I won't go too much into details of the match. (There're already many wonderful news sites, forum postings you can visit, soccernet.com or manutdsg.com for instances). Besides, it's already 4am and I've gotta wake up early for football training with the MUFCSG lads.


Still ... a marvellous and sweet win to savour! (Oh, did I mention how we at Crab Shack celebrated Barnsley's last minute goal against Poo? SHIOKADOO man! Talk about a perfect weekend!)

Night folks, and may your rest be sweet, I trust mine will be tonight.

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

PS. to my dear Gooner friends (Kev, Steve, Siren, Shai etc.), as I've always said (whether our team take a trashing or you guys' Arsenal does), always chin up and don't give up or despair yah? Always standing by and believing in your team gives hope and meaning ... even if you're a Leeds fan (I'm sincere on this, in case you're wondering). We've still got an exciting season ahead to look forward to! Cheers!

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

Updated: A longer match highlight:

(Vid link)

(I always wondered who Fred is, whoever he is: thank you!)

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

Showcase: 1999 away white jersey (Treble season!)

My heart is warmed to see the number of warm responses to my little blog, which basically is my first attempt at blogging - besides guest-blogging, of course. And from the bloggers whom I visit regularly (hi folks!).

Oh, you should check out my guest blog entry on my Gooner brother's blogsite, which by the way is a GREAT blog! Save for the fact that it's an Arsenal site :( ... never mind, my guest United blog entry helps to alleviate some of the horror there :D


Hmm, maybe it's time I started linking some of the blogs I visit regularly. (Strangely, all the blogs of friends I visit are Arsenal blogs, quite numbingly painful to read at times, whether Arsenal wins, loses or draws *heh heh*). So my United buddies: let me know all your Blog sites, link up! :)

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

Presenting: the first showpiece jersey!

Originally, I had wanted to showcase a jersey very significant to me:

But given that we are going to have a showdown against, of all teams, Arsenal in the FA Cup 5th round today, what better jersey than:

Description: Away (white)
Sponsors: Umbro, Sharp Viewcam
Used: 1997 - 1999
Known for: Our away jersey during the Treble season, it was famously worn when Ryan Giggs scored his legendary solo match-winner against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final replay after we were one-man down and Arsenal were laying siege on our goal. He celebrated by taking off the shirt and waving wildly it in the air (while driving the girls crazy with his chest hair, hahahahahahaha!)


Who can ever forget the heroics of our boys in our legendary triumph over the gooners with 10 men, after surviving a last-minute penalty (Hail the great Dane!)

And of course, the one and only Ryan Giggs' breathtaking solo goal - scored while we were 10 men down against Arsenal's 11, that gave us the semi-final win en route to our historical Treble. It was voted Goal of the Century.

Yes, this is a replica of the jersey waved in ecstacy after that wonder goal:


(Will be aiming to print GIGGS 11 behind soon to honour the forever-unforgettable heroics):


Noticed the watermark?


Interesting sleeve sew-on patch, does it represent any particular country, code of conduct etc? (Pardon the poor lighting):




A little tidbit: I actually bought two of this shirt: one short-sleeved and one long-sleeved. I actually managed to find the short sleeved one for quite a reasonable price initially:


But, when the long-sleeved shirt became available, I knew I had to get it (and paid quite a bit for it, but it was well worth it! :) ... it's a tad small for me though - so I wear only the short-sleeved one (very comfortable, not to mention a nice shirt for casual outing).

Will be wearing the long-sleeved shirt for tonight's game - on matchdays, I wear shirts that are meaningful for the occasion.


Will be crossing my fingers for our lads tonight, may our boys emulate the heroics of the great United sides that have graced Old Trafford for decades, especially as exemplified by the class of 98/99. DO US PROUD AND WHOP SOME ARSE! :D

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

I don't intend to write post-match reports or commentaries here, but I suppose I may. In any case, will update post-match! Cheers!

FERGIE'S RED ARMY!!!

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

MerV's first post: Manchester United jersey collection

Cheerios!

Here's creating my very first blog: now that I've decided to put up a pictorial of my frenzied jersey, well, collection over the past months. This collection craze was sparked off by the promising class of 2007/2008 squad, as long as watching United games with my buddies at ManUtdSG (hey folks!).

And so, I bring to you my humble collection of Manchester United jerseys collected over the past few months.

(Just a preview of my humble collection, heh heh!)

By no means is this collection exhaustive, I might add to this collection with a few more really rare and vintage jerseys, as well as at least two more modern away shirts missing from the library of United shirts I have already.

Yes, it had been a massive investment on my part, I suppose I would only heartbreakingly part with my dear collection only if I am convinced I can find a more deserving home for these babies. So yes, I am mostly a collector and not a seller, but if it puts a smile on another person's face to hold in his possession one of my shirts, I would consider it a joy to part with it (and use the amount collected for something meaningful, like Clarah's education).


Do look out for regular blog entries - which I hope I can blog regularly, blogging's not really my cup of tea - and little tidbits on the history of each United shirt proudly won by generations of United players and legends. UNITED FOREVER!


MerV

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

A little more about my love affair with Manchester United:

I've loved since 1992 (yes, the season before Cantona joined the Red Devil revolution and catalyzed the winning of the first-ever Fremier League championship). It was 16-year-old Ryan Giggs who caught my imagination with his super-quick run-at-you wing play - a mesmerizing sight to behold.

(Yes, I know there are some of you United fans who moan at Gigg's lack of pace now, cut our hero some slack man! He's served us so many years with so much fantastic football, forever a United legend.)

Which true United fan can ever forget the heroic winning solo goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final that led to our ultimate Treble glory in 1999??

Yes, the best year of United's already glorious reign in the 90s and millennium. (Remember the double Double in the 90s? Or a hat-trick of Premiership wins from 1999 to 2001?)

Since then, we've won 9 Premierships (16-time champion in all, gonna overtake Liverpool soon!), 2 European Cups (1968, 1999), record number of FA Cups (and counting!), and a legacy that inspires millions of football fans worldwide.

How fitting it would be for this championship squad to win another almighty Treble (yes, who can forget that year! The best year of my pre-married life: My United won it all! Plus I met my darling wife *heh heh*). All on the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the rebuilding of the Busby Babes dynasty.

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****

In case you're wondering who's Clarah, she's the second woman in my life *kekekekeke*... OK, one day I'll blog about her (and Fern, the most fantastically beautiful woman in the world) in another blog entry. Meanwhile, I'm still planning to keep this blog as a jersey-collection site. Later!

*****-----*****-----*****-----*****-----*****-----*****