Manchester United, the most successful club in the English Premier League in recent memory and possibly of all time, has had a dreadful year thus far. After winning the title in 2013, United have fallen to 7th place this season, and have already been knocked out of Champions League contention for next year (top 4 finishers). It has partly been due to their legendary long-time manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, retiring and leaving the club after last season. Former Everton Head Coach David Moyes has taken over, but has since been fired after the team's worst season in 2 decades. At the moment, player-coach, and long-time leader of the club Ryan Giggs is taking position as temporary manager. At possibly his last match at Old Trafford, both Giggs and a young striker stole the show.
Because United technically had nothing to play for this season, their second to last game of the year against Hull City showed a glimpse of future talent to come. Giggs decided to sit stars Roney, Van Persie and Mata to make room for others to start, including 18 year old James Wilson. Wilson is an English native who had scored for United's u18 u19 and u21 squads this season. In a spectacular fashion against Hull City, Wilson surprisingly dropped 2 goals on the team in the second half before being subbed out. The inexperienced forwards will never forget that day. After all, the last time a United player scored in his debut game it was Wayne Rooney, and he has turned out alright...
A second twist to this game is what made it truly magical. A few minutes into the second half, Giggs began to run around and warm up in his track suit. The legend was going to sub himself into the game! In the 70th minute, Giggs revealed a full united kit under his first layer, and stepped onto the familiar pitch for maybe the last time. Then, 15 minutes later, Giggs put in a beautiful left-footed cross that Persie finished into the bottom corner, and the building went crazy.
The Hull City-United game showed a symbolic passing of the torch. The legend, Giggs, makes his last mark in the place he calls home. While, Wilson, the upcoming star, scored two goals to hopefully kick start a long and memorable career.
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