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FA Cup Quarter Final
Old Trafford
Saturday 8th March 2007
KickOff: 2045hrs (SGT)
Credit: The awesome graphics and analysis work of Kenneth Sashi (thanks buddy!)
In our continual quest for football dominance (and pursuit of the Treble II in honour of the Busby babe's 50th anniversary), spotlight now shines on the FA Cup. Without feeling the need to replicate Kenneth Sashi's fantastic work, I urge you (especially United fans) to check out his pre-match analysis, comprehensive stats and a great write-up to today's quarter-final clash with Pompey.
Victory tonight would earn us a place in the last 4, and just two more victories towards another prestigious silverware (yes, I still value the FA Cup, we're the record winner of the FA Cup).
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Presenting: FA Cup retro jerseys
(well, at least those that I have)
(well, at least those that I have)
- FA Cup final 1958 replica jersey
This is a replica of the jersey United lads wore against Bolton. After the Munich air disaster, the team was stripped of her best players, and a huge majority in England actually supported United in sympathy (or so I learnt). Alas, we lost 2-1, due to a controversial goal (again, I didn't see the black-and-white review of the match, just read up only. Anyone young enough to have witnessed that final? :)
Not too sure if the crest above is the Manchester United crest, as compared to the one below. (United's older crests had a ship, symbolising Manchester as a port city ... I think)
A little trivial: I wore this jersey - complete with a custom-made black armband - to stand with our lads in remembrance of the Busby babes. Remember the Munich anniversary match against Manchester City (which we lost 1-2, sadly)? Sigh, because of that loss - can't blame our boys, they were too caught up with the emotions and responsibilities and all - I feel like this shirt is a bit of a jinx liao.
(Nevertheless, if I were to sell this shirt, it's gonna fetch quite a price - seems that there's a demand for it).
- FA Cup final 1963 replica jersey
Can you see the "ship"? *grin*
This is apparently one of my favourite casual outing shirts to wear (nice though heavy cotton), though the red has washed out a little already.
Oh, the history: we beat Leicester City 2-1. One of our 18 FA Cup triumphs.
- FA Cup final 1983 replica jersey
Sad to say that, this is a rather poor-quality replica; nevertheless, it still forms part of my ... dare I say it? ... proud collection of United jerseys worn by blessed players who had graced Old Trafford throughout the generations.
We beat Brighton & Hove Albion (pre-incarnate of West Brom Albion?) 4-0 in an FA Cup replay after drawing with them 2-2 earlier. Those were the days where the FA Cup MUST be worn decently and not in the lottery of the penalty shootout.
(which I must admit, our ManUtdSG team doesn't have a very decent record as of yet *grin*)
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There is one FA Cup final that is special to all United fans:
Yes, MANCHESTER UNITED beat Liverpool 2 - 1 to deny them the Treble that year 1977!!
Have to give it to the Liverpudlians for winning the Division 1 title and European Cup though, it's considered quite a magnificent achievement. Still, it's amazing we managed to wrest the FA Cup from the (then) giants of English football.
Our lads walking up the famous Wembley steps to receive the trophy. Must say that I'm really touched by the gestures of respect accorded between the players from two supposedly fierce northern rivals. How I wish today's game is propped up by such sportsmanship.
Who says "YNWA" is a Liverpool anthem??
(It's a UNIVERSAL anthem, IMO)
The only 1977 jersey I have is a "Silver Jubilee" replica:
To be honest, I can't say for sure what the "Silver Jubilee" anniversary the club was commemorating, though I am guessing the anniversary of the first ever (old) Division 1 title that United ever won (in 1907-08 season). That's a 70th anniversary then! (Well, since then, we've been champions 16 times, soon to overtake Liverpool's record deservedly).
Will be wearing that jersey this evening at the Portsmouth game, looking forward to our FA Cup semi-final berth!
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2 comments:
Hey Merv, where have you disappeared to?
Anyway, I was looking at purchasing this 1977 jersey. The problem is that I don't want to get it until I knew what Silver Jubilee the embroidery referred to.
After some Googling, I think that it refers to Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee - she was crowned in 1952.
Merv,
Just though I'd let you know that West Bromwich Albion have nothing to do with Brighton and Hove Albion. And Brighton and Hove Albion still exist with former Chelsea and Spurs midfielder, Gus Poyet managing us.
Also, WBA are founders of the football league, way back when United were known as Newton Heath at the time.
Just thought I'd let you know about this.
Sincerely,
Brighton & Hove Albion fans
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