Oh, you. You young and energetic college student. The world of sports fandom has so much to give you. Despite so many options for sports and teams, you chose to go against the grain and choose soccer to dedicate your free time to. The NWSL and MLS never quite satisfied your insatiable appetite to consume el jogo bonito. No, you looked beyond the borders to the game’s origin country. Manchester United piqued your interest, and you decided to never look back.
Becoming a fan of this team with the nickname “Red Devils” spoke to you on a simple, yet creative wavelength. The name embodies an ethereal vision of a supernatural force that can bend any given the 90 minutes to its will. The history of this club is synonymous with the city, the country, and the soccer world. The esprit de corps that has shown itself time and again must never be taken for granted.
Oh you, who’s first season committing yourself to this lifestyle was 2012-2013. The memories that year created ones should be cherished forever. Never forget the feeling of incredulity at one of the greatest striking displays from EPL and United legend, Robin Van Persie. Sir Alex made you fall in love with football, and RvP’s volley against Aston Villa cemented your passion. Never forget how that year made you feel. The thing about sports fandom is you never realize how fleeting those moments truly are.
Oh you, who knows so little of what life has in store for you as a United fan. Certainly, you are stronger than you give yourself credit for, but you don’t understand why yet. Being a fan has taught you to fight, feel, and persevere. The next dozen years will reveal these traits naturally to yourself. Oh you, who has yet to know what it truly means to be a Manchester United fan; one day you will understand, but for now just enjoy twenty times playing football the Busby Way.
Oh you. You are me.
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