DBasia.news – Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United era was the best in his era. Antonio Valencia recalled the past, discussing the sacrifice of Ryan Giggs et al.
During 26 years of training Man United, Ferguson not only formed a winning team but also made United one of the most respected teams in Europe and England. Man United is still listed as the winner of the most Premier League titles, 20 titles, thanks to Ferguson and his predecessor.
Not only Ferguson instilled a champion mentality, but the players in the squad were also mentally steeled. Valencia, who strengthened United in 2009-2019, was amazed by the exemplary example of Patrice Evra, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, and other senior players.
“This team (United in the Ferguson era) was clearly the winning team. I remember arriving at United and winning the match on the weekend. I thought ‘Phew, now we can relax a little’. Then, quickly everyone wants to win the next match,” Valencia said to The Athletic.
“There was never time to enjoy the victory. But that’s the winning team. I trained: Patrice Evra, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, all in the gym, long before training began. I thought ‘They have Champions League medals, super-rich, and they are here, at the gym at seven in the morning? “
“Imagine that determination, that insistence, that hunger. As young players, it’s a valuable lesson: they are not only true winners, but they have an addiction to winning something.”
“(They) are very demanding. The players form the changing rooms. There is nothing worse than the young players who arrive late because the 34-year-old has arrived two hours before doing extra work,” explained Valencia.
The big sacrifice of the senior players, according to Valencia, must be told to Man United fans, especially older fans, because they have to understand more about the sacrifice rather than seeing the success or achievement of the trophy.
“Are people aware of this hard work? They see the final result, win the match and who plays well, but they don’t see any sacrifice,” Valencia added.
“Giggs, for Christ’s sake! I was there when he was in his mid-30s and he was in Yoga, so he could continue to win and then lead in terms of fitness. Unbelievably great.”
No doubt comparing Man United in the past with the present is quite difficult for Valencia. Man United is now no longer respected as in the past and often swallows defeat.
“Honestly, I do not watch the whole game at this time. It hurts for me,” added Valencia.
“I tried to watch it, but this makes me very sad. I have United in my heart: the city, fans, 10 years of my life. It is very difficult to witness defeats. I miss being there,” he concluded.