I'm sorry, but I simply can't follow my rivals in the Champions League. In the current football climate, a team like Manchester United only really represents England in that it comes from the English football league, and is primarily followed by English fans. In that sense, they are no less an opponent to me as Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. In fact, due to the huge rivalry between the top clubs I'd say I dislike them even more. I don't have a great sense of national pride to begin with, although of course this doesn't stop me going wild for every England game. It's just that it is difficult to get behind a team that you spend the rest of the year jeering.

My reasons for taking this view aren't entirely rational, but then rationality isn't one of a football fan's strongest suits. Perhaps an analogy will help me explain.

Supposing Arsenal were to lose to Sheffield United in their F.A. Cup replay, yet Tottenham were to continue all the way to the final. Normally I'd be pleased that a London team had managed to get there, but such is the rivalry between our two sides that I wouldn't be able to cheer them on. The same applies to the Champions League, and I just can't bring myself to support Chelsea or Manchester United in the competition.

Liverpool on the other hand I'm indifferent to, and so I'll support them all the way if Arsenal can't manage to overcome Bayern at Highbury. Perhaps I should do the same for United or Chelsea, but I'm afraid I simply can't.