It's a Red Devil life for Man Utd superfan Sid
Superfan Sid with his collection of Manchester United memorabilia, some of them signed. (Andrea Rhiannon Edwards @ FMT Lifestyle)
PETALING JAYA : For some people, the name 'Manchester United' simply refers to a football club. For Ahmad Sidqi Razali, however, it is much more than that.
Popularly known as Sid, the Terengganu-born engineer remembers having first watched the English club play on TV during his schooldays. This ended up sparking a passion that has lasted over two decades.
'It was the '99 Champion League final. That's when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored the winning goal against Bayern Munich. I watched that game and became a supporter,' Sid recalled fondly.
'I like Manchester United because they have a lot of great traditions and have signed a lot of great players,' the 37-year-old added.
Asked his favourites, Sid named some of the club's most well-known current and former players: David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Bruno Fernandes and David De Gea.
He is certainly a United superfan: Sid's treasured memorabilia collection includes scarves, books, boots and figurines. He also has close to 200 jerseys, some of them signed!
'When I was young, I wanted jerseys but could never afford them. Now that I have my own money, I can finally own them. I have had the complete collection of club jerseys since 1990,' Sid shared.
Sid owns about 200 Manchester United jerseys, the pride of his collection. (Andrea Rhiannon Edwards @ FMT Lifestyle)
Over the years, he has had the opportunity to meet some of his favourite players, including Cantona, Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Dwight Yorke and David May. Many of them are friendly to fans, he noted.
Sid is currently an administrator of the Malaysia Man United Fan Club (MyManUnited), which he said is a great way to get to know other supporters. He even met his wife, lecturer Hasanah Abdullah, during one of the club's events in 2018!
Additionally, he has travelled to Old Trafford – hallowed ground for any United supporter – about 15 times. He tries to visit at least once a year. In fact, in 2017, he managed to stop by four times!
'It felt amazing to go there. It was like a dream came true,' Sid expressed.
'The first match I saw there was against West Brom in 2013. Unfortunately, we lost that game! Luckily we won the next one, against Wigan.'
Sid and his wife Hasanah Abdullah outside Old Trafford. (Ahmad Sidqi Razali pic)
As for his all-time favourite memory thus far? Watching United beat Liverpool 2-1 during the 2018 English Premier League (EPL).
Sid will be planning another trip to Old Trafford soon: he hopes his club will get stronger and win the upcoming EPL. But whatever happens, he will undoubtedly stay loyal to his beloved Red Devils until the very end.
'As a fan, of course you are frustrated if things don't go well. But you have to keep the faith. I think the club is still trying to get its mojo back after Sir Alex Ferguson left (as manager).
'I think next year we will come back stronger and win again,' Sid said.
Sid with one of his favourite players, United legend Eric Cantona. (Ahmad Sidqi Razali pic)
Indeed, he believes United's tenacious attitude has inspired him through much of his life. 'I always think of Manchester United. They never give up, even against overwhelming odds.
'So, whenever I have problems at work or in my life, I know I can't give up – I need to try and try and fight until I succeed.'
Witness football history in Malaysia as Manchester United take on the Asean All-Stars – it's the clash you can't afford to miss.
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