Manchester United - Stars Attend Old Trafford Event
SoccerBible found themselves in the company of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, Patrice Evra and Chris Smalling, after receiving a prestigious invite to the re-opening of the Manchester United Nike store at Old Trafford.
It was a red carpet event which welcomed Manchester's finest along with a select audience of fans and media, all present to witness the grand opening of the new look megastore, and of course to ask their favourite stars a few questions.
SoccerBible was on hand to bring you all the behind-the-scenes action, along with exclusive pictures and interviews! We sat down with up and coming Manchester United defender and England prospect Chris Smalling, as well as global star Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, so stay tuned for those!
Upon arrival at the Manchester United Megastore it was clear this wasn't going to be a low-key event, but then is anything surrounding Manchester United ever low-key! The red carpet was out, and the fans were gathering to catch a glimpse of their United heroes.
Entering the megastore was like entering a shrine to Manchester United and Nike, with every imaginable United shirt and a host of Nike football boots adorning the walls. If you could imagine how the most obsessed Manchester United fan would decorate their bedroom, then you're halfway there to envisaging what the megastore looks like.
It wasn't long before a buzz began to generate, with news that the Man United stars were beginning to arrive. We had been promised Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Javier Hernandez, Patrice Evra and Chris Smalling. Often on these occasions the odd player might drop out, but true to their word United delivered and Old Trafford welcomed five of their most famous faces.
First up was a photo-shoot with some of the club's latest replica gear. You can imagine when you get one or two footballers together there is a bit of banter and mischief, but when you get four team-mates and their 'gaffer' together, trying to organise the quintet for the photo-shoot and take things seriously was quite an effort! Although every player behaved when Ferguson ordered them not to attempt to kick the balls being bounced around, as he didn't want any silly injuries.
The players and manager were then introduced one-by-one to a select audience of around 30 lucky United fans, and took their place on a stage adorned with not just the latest Nike football boots, but also the English Premier League trophy. Every player had their turn in the spotlight, but it was Sir Alex Ferguson who began proceedings, answering questions on Manchester United's winning mentality and work ethic, along with a few of the more fun exercises in training.
Manchester United's record holder Ryan Giggs was next up, and when asked which was his favourite goal, United fans won't be surprised to hear it was his epic run against Arsenal. Whilst Giggs also offered his opinion on the new look store, after remembering a time over 20 years ago when there was nothing but a mere souvenir shop:
The new-look Megastore is great. Obviously if you're a United fan it's got everything you could possibly want, from the famous red shirts to embroidery on your boots which is becoming more popular.
Patrice Evra earned himself some extra credit with the boss, when he gave us an insight into the mentality of a Manchester United player, emphasising how hard you want training to be so you can push yourself to improve every day. Although Evra's serious tone soon changed into one of comedy, when 'Chicharito' recalled the most important goal he's scored as being the one in the World Cup against France, prompting Evra to jokingly walk off stage!
The players and manager then took time for another photo-shoot, this time with the invited fans and the Premier League trophy, before moving onto interviews. SoccerBible spoke to both Chris Smalling and Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, who are looking forward to a big season where they aim to emerge as the next generation of Manchester United stars.
Chris Smalling, a giant of a man but a gentle one at that, acknowledged that he was living the dream after a meteoric rise through the football ladder. Smalling was keen to pick up more medals, and learn from both Ferdinand and Vidic. He also gave us a little tip about his footwear and gave us an insight into those white socks he wears.
Javier Hernandez is another player who has enjoyed a rapid rise in the game, becoming a global star in the space of 12 months. Yet as a true team player and a modest footballer, Chicharito was keen to deflect any individual praise when talking about both Manchester United and Mexico, and rather focused on the team element of the game, whilst looking forward to the coming season.
Both players were a credit to Manchester United, and as the event drew to a close there was just time for a few autographs with the fans who'd waited patiently outside Old Trafford to catch a glimpse of United's current and future heroes.
Stay tuned to the SoccerBible as we will have the full interviews with both Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and Chris Smalling. And share your opinions on the Manchester United stars with the SoccerBible community online.
