Redemption Song …
There is an almost religious message in Alan Smith’s return from the margins to a leading role in United’s potentially historic season.
Smith is the man who came in from the cold. He is the rejected stone with a powerful tale to tell of redemption, of the courage to overcome adversity and of triumph in the face of extraordinary odds.
“In difficult times, it would have been easy to run away,” Smith admitted to the Manchester Evening News. “A lot of people questioned me when I said I wanted to stay but now, I hope the manager is pleased with the decision I made.
“This time last year I only had one leg but I have always been confident that I can have a positive effect on the team when I am fully fit. The gaffer showed a lot of belief in me when he picked me against Roma. It was everything I have worked for.”
Smith’s journey from victim to victor is another testament to the player’s indomitable spirit and Kieran Richardson take note, evidence of the art of the possible from a player stiffened with determination and fighting spirit.
The glorious goal which helped United towards the rout against Roma and the assured display in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Watford, augur well for a team seeking the top prizes without its recognised striking principal. United’s season could have unravelled after Larsson’s departure and the long-predicted confirmation of Louis Saha’s inability to survive a season intact. In the true spirit of Easter, Smith’s resurrection may just save the day.
Moreover and in a manner that would appeal to both player and manager, Smith’s return to the first team represents another poke in the eye for the doubters who wrote off the 26 year old’s chances of success at Old Trafford.
In many ways, Smith like Carrick and to some extent Darren Fletcher, are the symbols of United’s incredible year. As noted within these pages, few gave the players or United a prayer as the season began for reasons which then seemed eminently justifiable. Smith was busted as a United starter once Sir Alex had signed Rooney and played only when others were injured. Carrick was an overpriced sloth without the engine needed to dominate United’s centre. Hopeless Darren Fletcher’s crime was one of identity. Scotland just don’t produce greats anymore!
Now with success a magnet, former foes coo like bewitched lovers, rallying behind the team and its stars with unbridled passion. Carrick, who was no one’s flavour of the month just a few weeks ago, now cuts the mustard. Fletcher is not quite the ‘Billy No Mates’ of old, whilst another smartly-taken goal by Yorkshireman Smith against top class opposition could spark demands for his England recall if the current United frenzy persists.
Sir Alex and the team intend that it should and will have Sheffield United in their crosshairs tomorrow evening. The manager has at his disposal a squad down to its bare bones, guaranteeing another run out for those first-teamers still standing after Saturday. With Neville, Vidic and Ferdinand all ruled-out, United will rely on Brown, Heinze Evra and Rosery to keep the relegation-haunted Premiership stragglers at bay. AU
© Copyright: Absolutely United 2007
