Nikefootball Malaysia

MU vs MY Game 2: A brilliant end

Nikefootball_malaysi — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:24:42 GMT

So we thought the curtain closed and the lights went dim, but wait there was more! Due to certain circumstances, I got to see the Red Devils for a second time.

I would just like to say that I do feel very sorry for my red brothers in Indonesia. They have waited a lifetime and for this to happen was just downright cruel. Forever Reds!

Anyway, I got wind that I was to get 10 tickets for the 2nd game thanks to my friends at Nike. Once again, thank you very much. Most of my friends were over the moon about this and I decided to bring most of them who were all crazy United fans.

As soon as I got to the stadium, I met up with the rest of the gang, all clad in their red strips and scarves. Feeling pumped up and raring to go! We made it in time to watch the players train on the pitch. Each ball that entered the back of the net was greeted with thunderous applause. Even when Rooney played in Goal, the crowed cheered in approval.

Sir Alex started with: Foster, Neville, Brown, Evans, Fabio, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Tosic; Owen, Macheda. Pretty decent line-up. Was excited to see Owen's first full debut and also him partnering with Macheda .Every player’s name was greeted with the usual loud roars. Amri Yahya also got his fair share for the heroics he pulled off in the previous game.

We had a minute of silence for the victims of the Jakarta bombings. Nice moment. There were a few interrupters but the majority stood with respect.

Game started with Malaysia pressing and pushing forward. United just kept their composure waiting to pounce and sure enough, Michael Owen and Kiko Macheda opened the scoring for the Mighty Reds. Owen was on a roll. Hopefully he would carry this into the season.

Giggs who started in midfield dazzled the crowd with his skill. Looks like the Welsh wizard still has his magic. Brilliant player and a loyal red through and through. First half ended and I was dehydrated.

Gathered the gang and we made our way to the VIP section where the seats were bigger, more spacious and a stones throw away from the player’s bench. Killer seats.

Second half began with extra comfort. Shouting began to get louder. Shouted at every player for a wave. RIO!!!NANI!!!EDWIN!!!.and so on.. I think we were the loudest bunch there. Lost my voice but still kept going. Even got the Glory, glory chant going.

I enjoyed this game more than the first one mainly because I had my family and friends around me. A shout out to them-Don John, Kyle, Tricia, Tina, Iron-man, Syafiq, Boon, Sim boy, Jason and that guy I don’t even know what his name is. We even broke into a rendition of I’m yours. What an experience indeed. Shows how much Manchester United actually means to us.

It was a pity my mum, dad, bro and sisters couldn’t be with me. My dad Coni, mum Polin, sisters Ophila and Orealia and my bro Wynton.

Growing up, me and my brother always looked up to these players. My dad would always watch the games with us and even my mum turned out to be a die hard red. This is what Manchester United means to us. Bringing my family closer together while sharing a common bond ''Manchester United''.

Manchester United is my heart and soul. The love I have for this club will never cease till the day I die. Players have come and gone but the true fans still remain.
And getting a chance to meet and greet my heroes was really a once in a lifetime experience. It till hasn’t hit me how lucky I am. Looking back, now I can really appreciate it. Wow, I was part of this.

This is Aryton Bernado Soliano ,a nd it was a pleasure and honor being Malaysia's Nike Official Reporter For Manchester United

For now and ever ,Glory-Glory Man United.

Selamat tinggal....Malaysia Boleh..

The most atmospheric football match of my life

Nikefootball_malaysi — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:53:36 GMT

Upon returning from the training clinic, I made my way to the hotel. Saw a few fans there but no players. But manage to spot Paddy Crerand though. Got an autograph from him and a shake of his hand. Nice!

At the hotel, I manage to sneak myself up to the poolside. Pretended to be the hotel guest while trying to spot some of the players. Saw Rene' Meulensteen, United's first team coach. Sat there reading the papers about the tour and thinking what has happened through-out my journey thus far. The Kuala Lumpur sky-line helps alot when dealing with this stuff. That’s why i love this city. Aside from the traffic of course

Made my way to the lobby when to my amazement I spotted no other than Sir Bobby Charlton ,a living Man United Legend alongside another legend Bryan Robson whom I met earlier. Went up to him and got his autograph and a picture and wanted a few words from him before the horde came. He told me ''this isn't gonna work out''. I understood what he meant and backed off. He looked kinda pissed but still he stood to sign autographs and photos. Don’t think he blame the fans but more of the lack of security. Anyway, thanks Sir Bobby for being such a sport and if you are reading this, it was an honor Sir.

Meet up with the my handlers and the Nike peeps. We got together for a ride to the big-game.Got into the car and off we went. Dealt with the traffic by thinking about the game and what might happen. Even a chat about movies and music between us emerged during the ride.A pparently my handlers are huge Placebo fans. Never heard any of their songs but according to them its the bomb. Haha.I will stick by the Gallagher brothers for my music anyday lads.

During the ride I got a confirmation that United will play a second game in Malaysia. Sweet! But i do feel for my Indonesian brothers in red though. They have waited years for this. Really sorry for you guys.

Reaching the stadium i could see hundreds of United fans walking to the stadium. I wouldn’t mind walking with them to the stadium as that was what I did exactly 9 years a go when the train station broke down and we had to walk a cool ten minutes to the stadium. Was trully a experience indeed at that time.

Walking towards the stadium entrance my heart pounds in excitement. Again i got a special entry towards the VIP section. Its good to have friends in high places man. HAHA.

As i walked into the stands I got to see a sight I would treasure for the rest of my life. A sea of RED filled the National Stadium cheering every players movement and kicks. Singing Glory-Glory Man United full with pride and joy. One bloke stood up while he was being filmed and he turned his back only to show an Owen 7 shirt to thunderous applause. Haha. Truly remarkable. Really beautiful that we Malaysians can enjoy football in peace and harmony together and cheer on our heroes at the same time.

When the announcer whom I think did one of the worse announcing jobs ever, (anyone who came to the game would understand what I mean), announced the players onto the pitch, the entire stadium erupted. We reserved most of our applause for the older lads like Neville, Scholes, Giggsy and the important one like Rooney and Rio. But I tell you, the one that really shook the stadium was the applause for our new NO.7 Michael Owen.

The match started off with United scoring first through my fav player Wayne Rooney. The crowd were all on their feet in excitement and chants of 'ROONEY,ROONEYROONEY'' could be clearly heard from where I was seating.

United continued to press forward and Nani scored the second with a terrific counter attack. My cousin was talking to me earlier about what if he scored, would he do the back flip. He did it and it made my cousin’s day whom is also a Die Hard Red Devil. Cheers DJ.

Malaysia really didn’t threaten much until that second goal when they decided to really push. And my god .Mohammed Amri Yahya. Take a bow son. What a goal. Every Malaysian stood up and cheered that goal. Magnificient volley. Later on the crowd including myself began cheering for both United and our national side .It all paid off

when Yahya got his second after the interval. Boy,this guy was really on a roll.Mistake by foster and he was there to pounce. Malaysia Boleh chants began to get louder and I was joining in the fun.

Michael Owen and Giggsy began warming up at the sides and even that got the crowd all excited. When they were brought into the match, they were greeted by massive cheers especially for our new man Owen. United and Malaysia continued pressing on and Michael Owen eventually netted his first ever United goal on his debut. WOW.The crowd roared even louder!.

The game ended 3-2 to United, but for the first time ever I will tip my hat off to our national side for that brilliant display. Well done lads. You made us proud.

I thought United played well too and players like Fabio, Tosic and Macheda had a good run out. What a day. Long and tiring but worth every sweat.

After the medal presentation the players did a lap of honor. What a dream. I got to see the worlds best players up close strutting their stuff in the colours of the greatest team in the world.

Leaving the stadium was one of the hardest things I had to do in awhile. I never wanted to leave. I sat in the car on the ride back reminiscing of my entire journey .Everything from the day I won the competition to be the Nike reporter to the match.

I would like to thank my handlers and the Nike personnel for all their help in providing me with everything I need throughout my journey. Joe, my favourite Singaporean San and May San, And also to all the people
at Manchester United, the staff,players and legends I have met. Thank your very much. Thanks for sparing your time for this boy from KL who grew up looking up to Man United.

Thank You Nike and Manchester United.

For the love of the game. Till the next time. Forever United

The greatest morning of my entire life

Nikefootball_malaysi — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:41:55 GMT

Boy, what a morning it’s been. Marvelous to say the least. First and
foremost, I’d like to thank the people at Nike for all they have done
though my whole experience. Two simple words to describe everything –
Utterly fantastic!

Woke up today with little sleep thanks to the extreme excitement. Got
to the hotel late due to a logistic problem but I’m not gonna
elaborate about that. From the hotel, we went straight to Bukit Jalil
where Manchester United’s Football School was scheduled to conduct a
football clinic.

The main attraction was of course, non other than the legendary Bryan
Robson aka Captain Marvel. As I reached the stadium, I caught glance
of something shiny – The Premiership Trophy being displayed! Gazing at
it, I noticed it’s quite battered probably due to the amount of hands
changing it has gone through over the years. Took a few shots and I
was ushered to the field to view the training session.

It was then that I managed to get some alone time with the man himself
– Bryan Robson. Just to be in his presence, that itself was simply
mind blowing. Got a few questions off him which he claims to be very
difficult questions. Check out the videos to see for yourself. Managed
to get him to sign my #7 shirt as well. Freaking awesome.

Late on, I was told that I could have a 1 on 1 photo session with the
Premier League Trophy. If I could explain my excitement at this point
– my god!

Some of the United security guys brought the trophy to a more discreet
area where he handed it to my very hands. Never in a million years I
would think that something like this would happen to me. As I was
kissing the trophy, Bryan Robson came over and took a photo with me
together with the trophy. I was in eternal bliss.

This is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. Took a few
shootouts with the practice team later on, but I was already in a
daze. I will never forget this moment for as long as I live.

Darren Gibson and the mad rush to Bukit Jalil

Nikefootball_malaysi — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:49:26 GMT

Once that was done, I was whisked away into a van that Darren Gibson was seated in. A future United star I would say. I followed his transport for the ride back to the hotel. He complained about the weather.

Haha,i don’t blame him. Got a few questions of him as well. For him being an academy product, I asked him about how the academy helped him to get to where he is now. He complimented that the academy had good coaches and great facilities. Everything a young player needs to develop into a starlet. United's academy has always been known for producing young talents, going back to the days of the Busby Babes of Edwards, Charlton, Best to the Fergie Fledglings of Beckham, the Neville's ,Giggs and Scholes.

After arriving at the hotel I managed to get all of their autographs. Truly a highlight of the many highlight for the day. Thanks Lads.

Then it was time to get ready for the training session. The journey there was tiring.T he traffic really wasn't for the faint of heart. We eventually got to the stadium. I expected to be closer to the players. Was kinda dissapointed I wasn't allowed any closer to them.

Anyway I wasn't about to let a minor bump ruin my almost perfect day. Like the rest of the fans I was cheering, shouting and even Mexican-waving. Haha. Good times. Players played a mini match and they were kicking lumps out of each- other, especially Gary Neville. He really got stuck in. After the mini match, they started their warming down session and finished it with a lap of honor or some sorts by waving to the fans . They made their way to the tunnel and I was shouting to the players and they waved and smiled.

Seeing them train was a sight to behold. With Rooney's shooting accuracy and Scholes pin point passes. Thats why they're Champions!

Was on the way back to the hotel thinking to myself what a brilliant day it was. Got up-close with my heroes and got to cheer on the Mighty Reds with my Brothers in Red. Looking forward for what tomorrow will bring and also towards the big game against the Malaysian Tigers. Heard tmr I will be meeting a United legend. Till next time. Cheers and always Keep the Red Flag Flying High!

Fletcher, Ferdinand and Nike 5

Nikefootball_malaysi — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:41:54 GMT

Next was onto the Nike Five a Side event. Had to change to my new kit in the service lift. Had to do it fast and I kept dropping stuff. While waiting for the players to arrive we stumbled upon the teams luggage. The bags beared the message ''MANCHESTER UNITED OLD TRAFFORD''. Kept wondering what was inside. Was finding for the one containing the Premier League trophy. All of the players luggage was there too.

While I was busy taking pictures, without even noticing -RIO FERDINAND,DARREN GIBSON,DARREN FLETCHER AND NANI sneaked passed me. I thought to myself ''WOW''.

They hopped into the first van and myself with the Nike staff onto the third one. And for the first time ever, I had a police escort.. Made our way to the event, it was just around the corner to the hotel. I was brought into a waiting room together with the players. Was just glaring at them the whole time. Was kinda hungry too so without hesitation I helped myself to the mini munchies on the tables. Tasty stuff i tell ya.

Anyway back to business. The players made their way to the press conference and i followed closely behind. Kept low the entire time. Reporters asking obvious questions and Nani looked lost amongst the hustle and bustle.

After the press conference, finally, it was my turn to interview them. I watched these guys week after week out on the tube and to even get a chance to talk to them is out of this world.

First, I sat with Darren Fletcher. In my opinion the Academy's best talent since the class of '92. Asked him which was better, ''Captaining Scotland or Winning the Champions League with United?''.

He said, ''this is a difficult one'' but he chose the latter mainly because it was the most challenging club tournament in the world.

Next up. Rio Ferdinand. One of the best and most composed defenders around. Asked him what was England's chances for the World Cup and also what's it like playing at the Theater of Dreams. He told me that this is the place where childhood dreams are made and for him especially, it is a dream come true.

Wonderful bloke. True to his words. Even asked about his tv show those football windups he did a few years back. He said it might be coming back and he promised to show it in Malaysia as well. Wuhuu!.Got a picture with him and shook his hand. Pretty good interview all the way through. Spotted Gibson and Nani and I called their name and managed to shake their hands before they were called by their people to the Nike 5 event.

How they were presented to the crowd was freakin awesome.They stood on a platform which was elevated presenting themselves to the adoring crowd. You guys should check out the vid i posted on the website. Rio's dancing was hilarious. Hitz.fm Adam C emceed the event in a United shirt which surprised me cos I thought he was a die hard Leeds fan.

Then the players and myself then watched the final of the Nike five a side final.If im not mistaken the winning team was called Kami Bukan Kanak Kanak.Talented bunch of lads and they even had a special match with the United players. These kids were no pushovers even to the extent of scoring first.

Final score 1-1. Friendly kick about with some amazing skills. Nani pulled some fantastic ones. After all of that the team presented a mock cheque to a charity organization for their football program. These kids were all lighted up when they where invited to have their picture taken with the United lads.

Welcome to KL, Manchester United

Nikefootball_malaysi — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:30:24 GMT

Well what a first day. Woke up thanks to JJ and Ean The Hitz.fm Morning Crew .Couldn’t answer half of the questions being asked because i was still half asleep. Sorry guys but thanks for waking me up.

Made my trip by LRT towards KLCC and just in time to watch the teams arrival at the hotel. What a brilliant sight to behold. Hundreds of fans cheering on and all clad amidst a sea of dazzling red. The moment we spotted the bus, roars and applause of hundreds of adoring fans including myself can be heard. First few to step out from the bus was Fletcher, Owen, Rio. Also spotted Sir Alex .Damn does he look intimidating. wouldn't want to be at the end of his hair-dryer treatment. Haha.Saw Paddy Crerand as well. Shouted his name he seemed lost for awhile until he saw me. Even saw Captain MARVELOUS! Bryan Robson.Forever a Legend.

The team made their way into the hotel lift and still people were shouting and chants of ''GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED''can clearly be heard in unison.

Beautiful.

Then a TV crew filmed the fans singing and I joined in as well. Do watch the video on the website .Its dead funny how I joined in the fun...

After that I sat for a drink with my mate and along came the people from Nike with a new pair of Nike trainers and also the new Official Manchester United 09/10 kit. Looked freakin awesome. The new United kit looked swell indeed .Nike kits has always had a story behind it and traditional fans like me would always appreciate that our kit makers remember our clubs history. Kudos Nike.

The search for the Official Nike Football Reporter is over

Nikefootball_malaysi — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:10:13 GMT

To Aryton, dream no more.

After 2 weeks of exhaustive search, 20 year old Aryton Bernado Soliano came out tops, proving to the entire nation that he is indeed a Red Devil purist. If a walking encyclopedia on Manchester United exists, Aryton would be your man.

Hailing Wayne Rooney as the greatest player of all time, young Aryton will be your contact point for everything Man U. As soon as the team touches down in KL, he will be tailing them wherever they go and will update you in real time via Twitter, Flickr and Youtube. Just point your browser to www.nikefootball.com.my and everything will unfold to you on that one location.

Congratulations Aryton, for showing us that you’re indeed worthy to hold the all access pass to the Red Devils.

The Fightback Starts in Asia

Nikefootball_malaysi — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:07:14 GMT

You can't keep a winning side down. Manchester United, Champions of England and Runners-up in Europe, now set their sights on Asia and redemption. Follow all the action here on Nikefootball.com and watch as Sir Alex's young players give all they have to "Earn the Shirt."