Manchester United fans had a choice in 2005 - to stay with the club they were so proud of. Alex Ferguson already created a dynasty, cheer for legends and masters as they are Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Rud van Nistelrooy and the captain Roy Keane or to follow ideals. To follow what made them fall in love with the great from "Old Trafford" much earlier.
The majority chose the easier path, remaining with one of the biggest clubs in the world, while a smaller group set out into the unknown - founding the United of Manchester club as a desire to be everything they didn't like about Manchester United in those years.
There were several reasons why they decided to make this move, but the "trigger" was Malcolm Glazer, an American multimillionaire who bought the giant from the north of England, whose business was not to the liking of a certain number of fans.
The lights of the great "Old Trafford" were replaced by the small "Gig Lane" where the Bury Football Club also played, and instead of the aforementioned stars, some new and unknown guys became the idols.
- I was a Manchester United fan, but I didn't support the Glazers. Now I just follow this club - he told "Vijesti" Clive, one of about a hundred Manchester United fans who visited Montenegro in recent days.
The reason for their arrival in our country was the match that the younger United played against the Montenegrin Fans United in the first match of the quarterfinals of the “Fenix Trophy” competition.
Our third league team scored a goal Rijad Dervišević celebrated against the English seventh division team (1:0), so the question of who will advance to the semi-finals will be decided in Manchester.
"I'm here to support my club, I've been a fan since the beginning," Clive added.
He also explained how Manchester United works.
- In our club, every fan is an owner - one man, one vote. The club's motto is to make friends, not millionaires - Clive is clear.
There are those who still have the great United in their hearts, but principles are stronger than the desire to once again feel the roar of "Old Trafford".
- I'm a Manchester United fan, but I don't go to the games because of the Glazers. That's why I've had a United of Manchester season ticket for 15 years - he explained Food, another fan who arrived in Podgorica.
Manchester United is also followed by ladies...
- I'm here to watch football and my club. I've been a Manchester United fan for a few years, and my father even longer, and he "got me hooked". He was a Manchester United fan, but he gave up because of the Glazers and doesn't follow them anymore. By the way, I've never been to a Manchester United game - she says Eli, who also adds that she likes Montenegro:
- Yes, it's different. We don't have mountains like you do here.
The “Fenix Trophy” is an opportunity for fans of this club to visit places they have never been before.
- That's right, we've reached places we never thought we'd see - we follow our team in the seventh league, but also when it plays outside the Island - he continued Without, also one of the fans.
Manchester United or United of Manchester - the decision could have been easy for all of them, but football is not just about victories and trophies.
Surprise for the English - ultras at basketball
Among the fans who arrived in Podgorica was Markus, a guy who was thrilled by Montenegro, its people, but also the fans of Buducnost.
- I like the country, it's very beautiful. The people are kind, the women are beautiful. We watched Buducnost in football and basketball - it was my first basketball game in my life. I was surprised when I saw the ultras at the basketball game, I really liked the atmosphere - Markus does not hide.
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