Manchester United will play in India in future: Robson

Bryan Robson, Manchester United’s ‘Captain Marvel’, set foot on Indian soil long after he quit playing. But the 55-year-old still gives the impression of being fit enough for a season or two more. He began his career with West Br­omwich Albion in 1972 before moving to Manchester United in 1981 and captained them to three FA Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup and two FA Premiership titles.

Robson was also United’s longest serving captain and is considered as one of the two great midfielders to have tu­rned out in the club’s history, the other being Bobby Charlton.

Asked how players like him, Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes or coaches like Alex Ferguson remain with United for so lo­ng, Robson said it was somewhat of a tradition. “The club provides everything possible for players and coaches to evolve into better players. They in turn are very committed to the cause of the club. This ensures that the partnership between the player or coach and the club grows stronger and stronger,” said Robson, who also represented England on 90 occasions between 1980 and 1991 and scored 26 goals for his country.

On why English clubs are dominant in European club football but England has failed in European Championships and the World Cup, Robson said it had everything to do with too many foreigners playing in EPL.

“The Premiership is among the toughest leagues along with the La Liga in Spain. But foreign players dominate club line-ups and that has affected the national side. There has to be a balance and nations which have managed that have done well,” Robson  said.

Asked what was the difference between England coach Bobby Robson and United co­ach Ferguson under both of whom he had played, Robson said both were very good coac­h­es. “Fe­rguson has always be­en a little more aggressive in his appro­ach,” he added.

Speaking about coaching initiatives, Robson said it was wonderful. “India is a big co­untry and has a large potential for football with millions of Manchester United fans here.  India is one of the fastest growing fan bases for Un­ited,” said Robson.