Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Not content with naming a stand after him, Manchester United announced yesterday that on 23 November, the day before their next Premier League home game against QPR, they'll unveil a statue of their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.
It has not been seen yet, but expect the 9ft bronze statue to feature a furious Fergie jabbing at his watch and chewing gum. Probably. It's the work of Philip Jackson, who previously designed the "Trinity" statue at Old Trafford of Denis Law, George Best and Bobby Charlton. It's an interesting connection. A statue is most often reserved as a posthumous honour. But two of United's trinity are – like Ferguson – still alive. Similarly, Arsenal honoured all-time top goal-scorer Thierry Henry last December before – in an act of proving he was very much alive – the striker returned to play for the club on loan. Tony Adams was given one at the same time, too, but the 46-year-old centre-back didn't return to play.
Jimmys Hill and Armfield are alive and in statue at Coventry and Blackpool's stadiums respectively. Armfield also crops up in his birthplace, Ashton – where he and World Cup-winning (and living) Ashtonians Geoff Hurst and Simone Perrotta were born. Sir Bobby Robson has a bronze foot in both camps. He unveiled his own statue at Ipswich's Portman Road but was later honoured posthumously by Newcastle. The campaign for a Mario Balotelli statue outside Eastlands begins here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments