Week 14. United, Part 2
Part 2: I Will Win
Thursday evening was a rollercoaster. A night where nerves, emotion, and triumph collided, both on the pitch and in my personal journey. As Manchester United pulled off a breath-taking comeback in the Europa League, I too hit “submit” on my final assessment for the academic year. The stadium erupted. I exhaled. For both of us, it was a victory born of persistence.
With just minutes left on the clock, a young boy in the crowd was caught on camera, tears streaming down his face. His team, our team, was trailing. The dream felt lost. And then, out of nowhere, three goals. In a flash, despair turned into pure joy.
The transformation on that boy’s face? That is football. That is life.
It was a moment that reminded me of something I wrote just last week: football is about heart. It’s about the fans, the raw emotion, the storylines that unfold in real-time. It’s about kids who feel every kick, who believe in magic, and who remind us what it’s like to dream without fear. To that young boy, I hope you never lose that passion. You are the heartbeat of what makes this game so beautiful. And to the online fans calling for him to become a mascot or meet the team, well, that’s the spirit that binds us. Kudos.
But beyond the sentiment, this week reminded me of something deeper: hard work pays off. There will always be critics, on the pitch, in academia, in life. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s necessary. Without critique, we don’t learn. Without adversity, we don’t grow. Thursday night was a masterclass in rising when it matters most. For United, it was the 120th minute. For me, it was that final paragraph of my final essay. We both had something to prove, and in that moment, we won.
It brought to mind a short but powerful YouTube video by Eddie Pinero titled “I Will Win.” It’s just a few minutes long, but it hits hard. It's about grit. About holding your ground when the whole world doubts you. About making that internal declaration: No matter what, I will win. That message, that mantra, resonates deeply with me right now.
As United marches into the semi-finals, I too enter a new phase, a pause, a period of rest and reflection before I take on the final stage of my Master of Laws. The end is near, but the work isn't done. There’s more to learn, more to build, more to prove. And honestly?
I can’t wait
But there’s another truth often missed in moments of glory: success is rarely a solo achievement. It’s rooted in teamwork, in belief, support, sacrifice, and unseen contributions. Every great moment is underpinned by those who show up consistently, even when their individual glory is delayed.
Take Rasmus Højlund, for example. As a striker, goals are your currency. And when they dry up, the pressure is immense. But this young man? He keeps going. Game after game. He works hard, plays with a smile, and puts in the work for his teammates. Even without the goals, he contributes, with his attitude, with his work rate, with his presence. That is team spirit.
And what about Harry Maguire? A man who’s been written off, criticised, scrutinised. But he never gave in. He didn’t give up. And now? He scores the winner on one of the biggest nights of the season. That goal may just be the spark this team needs to turn the page. To rebuild. To rise.
Teamwork takes many forms. Sometimes it’s the captain’s armband, other times it’s the quiet voice in the dressing room. It’s the defenders who block shots, the coaches who stay late, the fans who never stop believing. No success story is complete without the team behind it.
And on this Easter Sunday, that message of rising carries extra weight. I recognise that for many, today is a celebration of hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity. It’s a reminder that after struggle, there is resurrection. That even in our darkest hours, light can break through.
As it says in the Gospel of Luke:
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15 (NIV)
Whether you draw strength from faith, family, friendship, or football, this is a day to remember the power of rising again. Of believing in comebacks. Of never counting yourself or your team out.
So as United rise, and as I reflect on this next chapter in my own journey, I carry that message forward: we rise best when we rise together.
To anyone else on a journey, whatever that looks like for you, remember this: life will test you. It will ask you to dig deep. There will be pressure, setbacks, and doubt. But as United showed us this week, and as I’m learning through my studies, persistence shines through. Resilience isn’t loud. It’s the quiet decision to keep going. To trust the process. To believe.
So let’s keep going. Let’s strive to be better. Let’s be kind, driven, curious. Let’s inspire one another.
For United, it’s the semi-final.
For me, it’s the next chapter.
Let’s go!
References
Pinero, (2021) Eddie Pinero, 2021, I will win, best motivational video. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TwqV5PmcyI
