When I first heard Tim Howard was going to play for Man U, I was reservedly happy for him, but felt uneasy about the potential of having to support a team where I regularly antagonized its (insert bandwagon) fans and actively willed their opponents to win (actively willing works, for the Godless believing otherwise). Manur was the team of the Devil. Their impish fans and their tempestuous players desecrated fields across Europe and even in my backyard in the US. I counseled myself and thought that since TH would be on the bench, I would be a good supporter of YAs by actively willing Manu's failures. By hoping for Manur failure, TH would therefore have a chance one day and then I could support Manur. After all, I thought my YA fidelity could trump even my hate of Manu. To my surprise, TH started and played well. I begrudgingly supported him and therefore Man U. And yes, I was one of the 5 million posters that opening Premiership day, religiously checking every 8 seconds for new information on how TH had usurped Barthez, the annoying little Frenchman, and was going to be the new Schmeichel, the last of their legendary Keepers. Things were romantic, the excitement of it all fueled me to support him and even his club. I seemed to think that I could hope for ManU to win.. even...to play well. I stopped calling them Manur and referred to the club as Manu. I was young and I didn't know any better Abby. Well, times have change Abby. My feelings are different now. Since Tim is on the bench, I know that I will renew my animosity for Manur, even if he does return to the field. Am I a bad YA fan for selfishly being happy at Tim's misfortune? His misfortune has let me be the person I want to be, not the person TH needed me to be. I know it’s not his fault and not really mine either for being the person I was meant to be, but I can't help it. I can not stand Manur and now that he is benched I know I should feel a sense of shame, but I don't. I'm happy. There I said it. Help me Abby, Mr. Backstabber
You are not alone my friend. Now that Sir Alex the Jackass has Benched TH for the rest of the year, I too hope to watch Carroll Get burnt by his pathetic defenders in front of him. Now I can hope Chelski catches Arsenal and MUFC gets left in the dust. It was painful watching the games and hoping Tim would do well knowing that it would benefit the evil empire.
Deep down, everyone is a ManU fan. The sooner you stop denying it and admit that you love em', the better. Look at me, I've done it, and it has really freed my mind.