Bad times don’t last, but bad guys do :-)

Hard work pays off, dreams come true, bad times don’t last but bad guys do. The Einsteins wanted us to believe that Jose Mourinho was finished as a manager. They were convinced that our spending spree was a sign of nothing more than desperation. They tried to make us think that Jose is a Monster determined to sell players who are fan-favorites. To them I just have one thing to say : “We never believed you, we never even respected you, you lot are an irrelevance to the Manchester United universe.”

Jose might be a monster, but he is our monster. He is moulding the club, and getting moulded by the club at the same time. When Jose criticizes his players, the world calls it poor man-management. Guess what, they are delusional. This is Mourinho trying to squeeze his players, putting their mentality to the test, he knows what we all know – Manchester United is no place for the mentally fragile.  When put into context this is a team that was heading nowhere under Van Gaal last season, so what we have achieved this season is nothing short of monumental.

Look across the pitch and on the bench, it has been a season of defiance. A manager and his players out to prove the world wrong. Look at Fellaini, heavily criticized, even booed by his own, rising to the occasion, doing the dirty job no one wants. Look at Paul Pogba mocked by the world for his price, inflicted by personal tragedy just weeks before the finale…stepping up when needed the most. Look at Herrera, the man who will play anywhere and give everything for this team. Romero – the man who couldn’t be relied upon, became our Europa league hero. De Gea who the world thinks is heading to Madrid, rallying the team on from the bench – this is the world’s best goalkeeper being a team player for a club he loves – he ain’t going nowhere. Antonio Valencia rising to the occasion with the armband. The much ridiculed Smalling was putting his head where it hurts last night to get his team over the line. Darmian, Blind and Mata were supposed to be surplus to Mourinho for the world, but instead they were at the heart of everything. Rojo who we were told couldn’t defend became a fulcrum of the defense alongwith Bailly. Mkhitaryan who came through a rough start to deliver countless match winners in Europe. Young Marcus stepping up into the giant shoes of Zlatan. Wayne, who instead of sulking at being a squad player, was the perfect mentor for the youngsters. On the subject of youngsters, hats off to the U-23 who performed with the excellence over the weekend to ensure the first team is rested and ready for the big final. Anyone who thinks that as a squad - Manchester United hasn’t progressed – is utterly delusional.

Manchester United have for the first time in the post Sir Alex era made giant strides in a season. A core group of players with a winning mentality has been established. A charismatic manager has got the winning feeling back under his belt. A legion of supporters are beginning to dream again.

The world thinks that we are getting a relationship with Mourinho that is a full-on, passionate, whirlwind affair with some unforgettable nights but absolutely no chance of a lasting marriage. They just don’t understand one thing: Mourinho’s always wanted this job.

P.S: A massive hats off to all rival fans who put aside their footballing differences and wanted United to win in light of the tragic events in Manchester. We shall never forget.