Manchester United - The Dark Knight analogy

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article are that of the writer and not that of Sportskeeda’s.

Let’s see how the situation at Manchester United can be related to what is considered to be the “superhero movie of the decade” – The Dark Knight. Let’s start with the place of interest.

Old Trafford – Gotham City

Old Trafford pitch [via google images]

Gotham City during night [via google images]

Gotham faces the threat of mercenaries whose only intent is to burn the city down to ground.

The Red Devils at Old Trafford in Greater Manchester similarly face the threat of English giants like Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and their local rivals Manchester City, who are trying to pull them down from the pedestal.

Moving on, let us see the main characters in the plot.

Wayne Rooney – Bruce Wayne/Batman

Wayne Rooney [via google images]

Bruce Wayne [via google images]

Protagonist of the plot. The talisman of Manchester United over the years. This pick is a no-brainer. He’s the hero United deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So, the folks will abuse him, ignore him and he can take it. He’s not the hero, but a silent guardian, a watchful protector – The Dark Knight.

Why do we fall master Wayne?

So we can learn to pick ourselves up.

David Moyes – Alfred Pennyworth

Rooney and Moyes [via google images]

Master Bruce and Alfred [via google images]

Master Wayne’s trusted butler and confidante. His supply of useful advice to Bruce and his likeness as a father figure has led to him being labeled “Batman’s batman”. So is David Moyes for Rooney, who played a vital role in Rooney’s initial development as a competitive player. They broke up for a while, reconciled and are back together now.

Sir Alex Ferguson – James Gordon

Sir Alex Ferguson [via google images]

James Gordon [via google images]

Irrepective of the vigilance of “The Dark Knight” or the “The White Knight”, there’s always been one man who looking after Gotham City – Officer Gordon, so is Sir Alex Ferguson who’s been guarding the Salford club for over 26 years now, and is still not done with the club although he retired as a manager.

The ever-reliable ones.

Robin van Persie – Harvey Dent

RvP [via google images]

Harvey Dent, DA [via google images]

Newly appointed District Attorney. The White Knight. A crime fighter with a lot of people following. Also known as “two-face”. Left as a DA and became a super-villian in the eyes of Gotham citizens.

New addition to the squad. Consistently performing, with a large fan following. Prolific goal scorer for Manchester United since his arrival. Left his favourite club Arsenal for United and became a traitor in the eyes of Gooners.

Coleen Rooney – Rachel Dawes

Coleen Rooney [via google images]

Rachel Dawes [via google images]

Master Bruce’s childhood friend and love interest. She is one of the few people to know Batman’s identity.

Wayne Rooney’s childhood sweetheart and spouse, Coleen’s one of the few people who probably knows Rooney better than he does.

Nani – Lucius Fox

Nani [via google images]

Lucius Fox [via google images]

Knows what Master Bruce is. Direct armour supplier of Master Bruce.

Has played enough games alongside Rooney to know who he is. A winger who creates goals and creates assists for Wayne. The most notable one being Rooney’s overhead winner against Manchester City, which was set up by Nani.

Malcolm Glazer – Sal Maroni

Malcolm Glazer [via google images]

Sal Maroni [via google images]

A gangster who has taken over Carmine Falcone mob. Loots the city and embezzles the funds for his self needs.

A businessman who has taken over Manchester United, piled debts, and has not spent the profits on the club.

Bryan Glazer – Chin Han

Bryan Glazer [via google images]

Chin Han [via google images]

The accountant who handles the money for the mob.

The son of Malcolm Glazer who handles his business and finance.

Finally…I couldn’t think of a better person than ‘him’ to be the Joker.

Ed Woodward – The Joker

Man Utd vice – chairman, Ed Woodward [via google images]

The Joker [via google images]

The Jokes sees himself as an “agent of chaos”. Poses all sorts of problems for the people of Gotham.

The Mancunians see Ed as a person who’s to be blamed for all the chaotic developments during this season’s transfer window. His inability to bring in new players with deals “almost done” has caused the fans to revolt against him. Mancunians’ super villain.