Man U legend lauds growth of Phl football

MANILA, Philippines - Manchester United legend and first-time Philippine visitor Denis Irwin is amazed to hear about the steady progress of football in the country and the improvement of the national team that’s currently being handled by his batch-mate in the 1994 Fifa World Cup.

“I heard football in this country is growing and that’s good. I know that the national team is getting better and better. I know they made big strides over the last few years,” Irish international Irwin said Thursday night during the launch of the Maybank-Manchester United Visa Credit Card in BGC.

“Thomas Dooley is in charge now. He played for America in the 1994 World Cup and I played for Ireland in the 1994 World Cup but our paths just didn’t meet then. I know they have the Suzuki Cup coming up, so good luck with that,” he said.

Irwin, whom former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson regarded as “one of his shrewdest signings” in 1990, was the cornerstone of United’s defense during their dominance in the 1990s. The Irish fullback won seven Premier titles, three FA diadems, and one Champions League plum during his time.

Irwin was the latest United legend to come over, following Paul Scholes and Andy Cole who played in an exhibition game a few months ago.

“I know football is growing. I know basketball is the No. 1 sport over here but the more things we do to improve the growth of football like this (legend’s visit), the better it is,” said Irwin, who graciously posed and chatted with Pinoy Manchester United fans present during the launch.

Asked what advice can he give the Azkals and Phl football as a whole, Irwin said: “For the team, prepare and work hard, that’s as simple as that. But for young boys and girls who wanna be footballers, to just go out and practice, all you need is a ball, and to enjoy it. Football is truly a global game, a fantastic game, it keeps you fit and it’s a team game.”

Irwin served as the special guest when Maybank Philippines officials led by president and CEO Herminio Famatigan, Jr., and Visa country manager for Phl and Guam Stuard Tomlinson formally launched Maybank-Manchester United Visa Credit Card, the first international sports franchise co-branded credit card in the Philippines.

Like what’s offered for cardholders in Malaysia and Singapore, Filipinos will get to enjoy regional privileges and discounts, such as 5x TreatsPoints on purchases on the day when Manchester United wins a Premier League; 10x TreatsPoints on purchases at the United Direct Online Megastore; 10 percent Discount at United Online Megastore & Outlet; 10 percent Discount at Red Café Old Trafford; and 20 percent Discount for Manchester United Stadium and Museum Tour.

“We made the Maybank – Manchester United Credit Card ideal for active and sports-oriented Filipinos as we have partnered with various sports retail stores, fitness centers and sports bars where they can enjoy discounts which is on top of the region-wide privileges offered by Maybank – Manchester United Credit Card” said Maybank Philippines, Inc. Vice-President and Cards Head Eden Leah V. Estrella.

“We are delighted not only to have extended, but also expanded our relationship with Maybank across Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. The Club has almost 22 million followers, all of who can now take advantage of all of the great products and services Maybank has to offer,” said Manchester United Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold.