For as long as I have followed football, I have disliked Manchester United. You may call it begrudgery of success. I've always seen it as suspicion of empire. Causes aside, it was one of the most natural things I've ever felt. The 2009 Champions League final was the pinnacle of my United hating. Not only did Barcelona (and the Norwegian ref) spare the world a rematch of soppy Moscow, but their destruction of United - after weathering ten awkward minutes - was so elegant and terrifying (especially considering their mean height of 4'11) that it bore the weight of history.
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]Two years have passed. To my eyes, Barcelona now wear the weight of greatness heavily. Buoyed by other successes, this Barcelona team remind me of the American empire at full tilt. Never less than completely convinced of its own exceptionalism. Displaying a message that is pure and good to all who see. Pockets, socks and jockstraps stuffed with loot. Dogged by an unseemly, if easily-ignored, hubris. All I can say about United over the same time is that they have got stingier. This not a virtue in and of itself, but we do live in an age of austerity. After considered reflection last evening, I have decided to temporarily annul my United hating for this one day, May 28. I - and I feel the rest of the footballing world have my back here- would love to see a side try to beat Barcelona at football. I know it can be done. There is a middle-ground between the naivety of Arsenal and the demented cynicism of Mourinho. Will United occupy that space? Don't know, but I don't think United will be fearful. That is something. In the Moscow final of 2008, I found ironic indifference to be the best stance for the neutral who dislikes both clubs involved. This year, I want Barcelona to lose. Desperately. I don't really understand this desire, maybe it's anti-football or even greater begrudgery.
The site of a ruddy-cheeked Ferguson grasping the big cup like a child who has just shot a rabbit will make me regret this post, I know, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
