Toppled titans? 7 similarities between Ateneo's failed S76 campaign and Manchester United

The Ateneo Blue Eagles and Manchester United are two of the biggest names in their respective leagues, the UAAP and the English Premier League. But beyond their status as marquee squads, a string of similarities now link these two, as they find themselves knocked off their high perch, down into a scrum in their most recent seasons.


1) Coming off highs

- ADMU: The Blue Eagles had just wrapped up a rare five-peat in the UAAP, besting the four-peats of UST and DLSU in the Final Four era. From 2008 to 2012, Ateneo was dominant, never losing more than five games total in a season, in those five tournaments.

- Man U: It was a poetic finish for Manchester United. In 2013, they won their 20th league title, this one coming in the Premier League, their 13th such championship. Celebration shirts rightfully say Champions 20|13, as they welcome the next season with the gold badge once again on kit sleeves.


2) Exit famous head coaches

- ADMU: Ateneo’s five-peat though was tempered by the fact that their 2012 win would be the last under head coach Norman Black, who steered them to all five crowns. Black moved on to coach the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the PBA.

- Man U: Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson who had been hailed as “Britain's most successful football manager” retired from coaching, after winning his 49th career trophy. However, he is still part of the club’s board, and helped the team name his successor.


3) Enter...who?

- ADMU: After benefactor Manuel V. Pangilinan reconciled with Ateneo, the school tapped another former PBA coach to take over their team - Bo Perasol, most recently with the Powerade Tigers. However, while Black was a multi-titled tactician, even pulling off a grand slam in the pros, Perasol’s record was more modest, with just a pair of Finals appearances.

- Man U: David Moyes and Jose Mourinho were initially rumored as the top choices for Manchester United boss. But the “Special One” went back home to Chelsea, which led to Ferguson endorsing the former-Everton manager as his replacement. Moyes led Everton to a UEFA Champions League berth in 2004 and to the FA Cup in 2009, but had never won a trophy prior to his Manchester United spell.


4) Lack of big-name additions

- ADMU: Ateneo’s run of championships saw them add big names like Ryan Buenafe, Nico Salva and Greg Slaughter, but Black’s announcement that he was not returning for another season gave the Blue Eagles slim pickings come recruitment. Once Perasol came on board, the team managed to get Jerie Pingoy, but the UAAP’s convoluted residency rules prevented him from playing.

- Man U: During the summer transfer season, Man U was linked to names like Thiago Alcantara, Robert Lewandowski, Cesc Fabregas, and even a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo. However, as the deadline neared, Moyes settled for the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Guillermo Varela, and nearly lost Wayne Rooney. It’s no wonder Moyes later implied that his side didn’t have enough world-class players to win the Champions League, saying after a loss, "Look at Bayern Munich, they have it. Look at Barcelona, who had it in the past and Real Madrid, who have maybe got it now. That's the level you have to be at to win it. We've not got that yet but what we have got is experience," said Moyes.
 

 

5) Preseason success

- ADMU: During the summer FilOIl preseason tournament, the Blue Eagles, under Perasol, went a surprising 7-1, including besting their arch-rivals DLSU Green Archers. Despite having the best record in their group, meaning a number one seed in the quarterfinals, Ateneo opted to withdraw from the competition, citing injuries.

- Man U: Manchester United and new manager David Moyes won the season starter Community Shield, with Robin van Persie striking twice against 2012/2013 FA Cup winner and newly-relegated Wigan Athletic. Of course, Moyes did deflect credit after the win by saying “That’s another trophy for Sir Alex.”


6) Key injuries lead to bad starts

- ADMU: Just a few days prior to the start of the UAAP season, Kiefer Ravena injured his ankle. Though he tried to play despite the injury, he ultimately missed a handful of games to let it heal properly. Ateneo proceeded to lose four of their first five games, their worst season start in more than a decade, and Ravena never really looked 100 percent.

- Man U: Wayne Rooney was out of action for most of the preseason and the early part of their campaign, hurting his hamstring in Thailand, and then injuring his shoulder in August. Later, talismanic striker Robin Van Persie was sidelined for a groin injury, and then more recently, sat out games due to an injured toe. As a result, Man U has 11 points in eight games played, with just three league wins.


7) Rival defeats

- ADMU: After dominant regular season runs, Ateneo wound up losing both elimination round games to La Salle, the first time that’s happened since 2005. During the five-peat, the Blue Eagles had only lost once in the regular season versus the Green Archers. On opening day, the NU Bulldogs also registered their first win against Ateneo, since the second round of Season 69, back in 2007.

- Man U: Manchested United didn't do well in their recent derby matches, losing in embarrassing fashion to Manchester City 4-1, before getting shutout by Liverpool 1-0, and drawing with Chelsea 0-0 in the Premier League. They did get some relief by dispatching Liverpool 1-0 in the League Cup though, but it's a far cry from their dominant form in the past. - AMD, GMA News