Merry Cruyffmas

It doesn’t seem like two minutes since I sat amongst my peers in Carrington's classroom. United were the dominant force in English football and Sir Alex Ferguson was enjoying the twilight years of his illustrious career. We shared the same canteen as modern day greats - physio’s from Worsley and laundry girls from Salford. These were the rarest of times. A sporting institution of monstrous proportions but with the heartwarming feel of a tight knit family. As young pretenders to the most prodigious of thrones, our daily regimen included mastery of the ball, physical enhancement and on the very odd occasion, an afternoon of schooling. Now Stone Roses frontman, Ian Brown famously once said, ‘It’s not where you are from but where you are at’ - a noble sentiment - but sometimes having a grasp of your origins can also inspire you towards greatness. In our case we were the direct descendants of the much adored Busby Babes and the star struck brethren of the legendary Class of ‘92. Of course I’m speaking metaphorically here but our fascinating coach Paul McGuinness was in fact the son of former MUFC player/manager Wilf McGuinness. He instilled in us the values that had set the club apart, spoke to us of historic domestic triumphs and eulogised about the past-masters - Edwards, Charlton and Best. Far from confined to the hallowed turf of Old Trafford, his footballing tutelage knew no bounds and we were soon introduced to Brazilian icons, German Kaisers and Dutch maestros. Pele’s goalscoring prowess appeared unobtainable (though a certain Mr Ronaldo would soon dispel that train of thought), whilst Beckenbauer’s trailblazing propensity for stepping out with the ball has now become the de rigeur. One man’s style has though remained a little more difficult to replicate. 

Johan Cruyff did things his own way. On the field he produced skill that dumfounded opponents, as a coach became a true visionary and away from the game, forged a path for future superstars. Known in certain circles as the original ‘football dandy’, Cruyff's obsession with aesthetics coupled with his rebellious nature led him to exploring avenues into the world of fashion. Fed up with ill fitting, uncomfortable training wear, a decision was made to produce a range of his own. Confidence, elegance and independence the order of the order day - quality garments that embodied the uniqueness of Cruyff. Fast forward almost half a century and the brand continues to thrive, evolving as trends progress but never straying far from its founding values. Each and every thread pays homage to the brand’s revolutionary mastermind - a man with a legacy broader than most. On the pitch, in the dugout and in the stands, the spirit of Cruyff remains undiminished. 

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