Successful clubs don’t stand still for very long – and Manchester United have been very successful club over the last two decades in particular.
Having fallen off the pace to a dramatic degree over the last year they’ll be even more hellbent on moving forward in the right direction under new manager Louis van Gaal.
But, in the long term, Manchester United will only prosper if they are respectful towards members of staff, past and present, and the fans.
The ‘members of staff’ that we specifically refer to here are Patrice Evra (who Manchester United signed for £5.5m), Rio Ferdinand (£30m) and Nemanja Vidic (£7m). We don’t think that any Manchester United fans would disagree with the notion that they are three of the best players to ever pull on the famous red jersey.
The timing of their departures may have been inopportune but they still should have got far better send offs than Manchester United gave them.
We would go as far as to say that it’s a disgrace. Three true Manchester United legends being shunted out of the back door. Manchester United fans want success and progress – but not at the expense of the club’s reputation.
If you want to be a respected club then you need to respect those around you and Manchester United should take time out to honour the achievements of these three, who have all been such huge catalysts in the most successful period in Manchester United’s history.
We strongly believe that Manchester United should have a testimonial for all three so that the fans can give them the send off that they deserve.
All three must have a slightly bitter taste in the mouth about their departures from the club after all they’ve given.
And, as much as anything, the fans deserve the chance to pay tribute to the trio in a live performance.
Perhaps Manchester United will take time out to organise an event to celebrate the careers of these three true Manchester United legends at the end of the season. We certainly hope so. It’s not all about money is it?
Manchester United fans don’t you think it’s crucial that legends of the club are given a proper send off?
Let’s have your support on this one and we will forward your comments to the club.
donacha o'dwyer
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:08 pm
I agree there is more to being a true United player than being a commodity. The club should do something special for all three players and others who may leave after being good servants of Manchester United.
Preston Hantembe
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:09 pm
Brilliant idea. I like this, a testimonial is needed 4 our great three legends.
Andy
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:12 pm
I agree that they all deserve a good send off having been great servants to the club over the years.A testimonial would be fitting certainly.
Yomi
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:12 pm
The three legend really need send off ceremony, we have to prove to them that we thoroughly care about our departure three legend, is not about money is about RESPECT. I love manchester united………Red army for live.
Nana Odum
Jul 22, 2014 at 9:33 pm
Facts in its raw state!! who could believe Vidic, Ferdinand and Evra could leave United “un noticed ” in the same window????? something is freaky somewhere!!!!!!! for there cannot be smoke without fire!!!!!!!!!! they at least deserved more than this!!!! 100000 gunshots salutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Respect
Tansn
Jul 23, 2014 at 3:46 am
Great Idea.
Sean
Jul 23, 2014 at 9:39 am
Anyone who was at old Trafford for our last home game of the season would have seen that Vida got a fitting tribute from the fans. Evra too was treated very well as was evident by the fact we gave him a new contract (presumably with a nice signing on fee) before allowing him to leave for Juve. Sadly as a club we did not do right by Rio as it seamt he was forced out despite, for my part, being the greatest defender the club has ever had. Hopefully we will give him an ambassadorial position when he retires to show our respect.