My Madness

A lot of people have asked me how my love obsession with Manchester United began, and it dates back to the beginning of adolescent years.

I Will Never Turn My Back On The Club

I started playing soccer at the tender age of four, but I really did not love - nor appreciate - the sport, because like most kids, I played it because my parents forced me to be active.

However, that all changed when I was able to watch the sport the way it was supposed to be played - the Manchester United way.

In the United States, soccer has never been popular, so it was very hard to follow the sport due to the lack of coverage by any of the major sports networks, and then on top of that, there was not a domestic professional league. Even today, it would be over a four hour drive for me to the closest Major League Soccer stadium, while it's only a seven hour flight to Manchester, UK.

"The Three Things I Admire Most: The Fathers, Ferguson And The Munich Ghosts"

On the weekends, Sports Channel, which was out of Long Island and no longer exists, showed some soccer games from the top European leagues - Holland, Italy and England. The likes of Ajax, Feyenoord, AC Milan, Juventus, Arsenal, Leeds and Liverpool, but there was one team whose style of play that caught my young, willing eye - Manchester United.

The way that the Reds played with such determination and explosiveness, but yet were able to do it with style and flare was mind-blowing. It was most definitely love at first sight when I watched my very first match - a 4-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur.

However, there was one player that really and truly sold me on United - Eric Cantona. The way he strolled around the pitch, the way he conducted himself with style and grace, but his uncanny ability to lead the team was most captivating.

Unfortunately, that station went off air and so my ability to watch them went on a short hiatus, but I still was able to follow who was in their squad thanks to FIFA competitions.

It wasn't until the tail end of my junior year in high school, the 1996/97 season, that I was able to resume my passion for them - thanks to a new a sensation called the Internet - and what a year that was! The King led them to an historic FA Cup and FA Premier League double. Oh, and it was also only the breakout year for the "Class of 1992," which included the likes of Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Gary & Phil Neville.

The 1998/99 season, my freshman year in college, was one for the ages, because I had the ability to follow every match on manutd.com - albeit match reports. Being at the mercy of ESPN, the first United game that I was able to watch that season was none other than the 1999 European Cup Final against Bayern Munich, which happens to be my brother's team, at the Nou Camp. which so happens to be my brother's team.

The Devils Live Within Me

Talk about going from heartbreak to complete jubilation in a matter of minutes! To this day, I get cold chills hearing "And Solskjaer has won it!," which ultimately gave me bragging rights over my brother, which was priceless in itself.

Since that day, my love, dedication and passion has not only become too much for some, but also a religion to me.

Some people go to church on the weekends, but my beliefs are Manchester United. Old Trafford is my heaven, the legends are my disciples, the current players are my saints and Sir Alex Ferguson is my God.

To say that I became obsessed with Manchester United would be an understatement, and people still do not understand how an American could become so crazy about a soccer team - but it happened!

Holding The Lot Of Trophies From '08

There is not a conversation that goes by that I do not try to relate it to Manchester United. Its the first thing that I think about in the morning and the last thing I think about before going to bed - it's Manchester United or nothing!

If I meet a person who supports one of United's main rivals, I completely cut off all conversations with them - simply because they have contrasting views as me and we have nothing in common.

A lot of people often ask me if I have been in-love and the answer is, "Yes, with Manchester United."

"Once a Red, Always a Red, Forever a Red"

My life revolves around United, and to be honest, it will never be any other way. Call me pathetic, crazy, or whatever you will, but it has become me, and there isn't a minute that goes by that they do not cross my mind in one way or another!

My Heaven On Earth

Manchester United has become my life over the last 15 years or so, because they give me that magic spark that completes my life.


When I get asked, "why Manchester United?" Or,"Why soccer?" I simply respond, "Just watch them play and you will understand, but if you don't understand it, then you will never understand me."

Many people that I have met along my journey in life have said, "You were definitely born on the wrong side of the pond." When my days are done here on this earth, I want to be remembered as one of the most loyal, loving, passionate - or obsessed - Manchester United fans!

Remember, there is soccer, football, but then there is Manchester United football!

" I Pledge Allegiance To The Crest Of Manchester United Football Club, And To The Colors For Which It Stands: One Supporter Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United With Pride And Success For All "