Center back Manh Hung - 'Talent and disaster rhyme together'

(Baonghean.vn) - A left knee meniscus injury during a training session almost forced center back Pham Manh Hung to miss the 2017 season.

The journey is full of obstacles

Excellent performance at the 2010 National U17 Finals, the tournament where Manh Hung and SLNA U17 won the runner-up position. The central defender from Nghia Dan alone scored 3 goals and received the title of “Best Player of the Tournament”.

From that moment on, Manh Hung left an impression on experts and fans with his dignified and intelligent playing style. At the age of 18, Manh Hung was promoted to the first team by SLNA's Board of Directors. However, it was not long before Manh Hung was sent back to the youth team due to his lack of seriousness in training and living.

In the 2013 season, Coach Nguyen Huu Thang decided to call Manh Hung back and give him an official position in SLNA's defense. Although it was only his first season playing in the V. League, Manh Hung did not show any confusion or inexperience like most other young players.

The central defender born in 1993 played steadily and was a reliable stopper in front of the home team's goal. V. League 2013 was a rare season in which Manh Hung played most consistently ever. As a reward for his impressive performance in SLNA's shirt, Manh Hung was called up to the U23 Vietnam squad to participate in the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar.

Manh Hung (retiring as captain) in the U23 Vietnam team jersey. Photo: Trung Kien

At the beginning of V. League 2015, Manh Hung played quite impressively, most notably scoring a goal against HAGL, helping SLNA win 2-0. That joy did not last long, mistakes in the match against Lam Son Thanh Hoa caused Manh Hung to receive a lot of criticism from fans.

The disaster has not stopped for the former U23 Vietnam player when in the National U21 qualifying round, Manh Hung was fined 3 million VND and suspended for 3 matches by the Organizing Committee for insulting the main referee in the match between U21 SLNA and U21 SHB Da Nang.

V. League 2016 was equally bad, in SLNA's 1-3 loss to Than Quang Ninh, Manh Hung was heavily criticized by public opinion for his elementary mistakes on Cam Pha field. The problem was so serious that SLNA had to hold a closed meeting to stabilize the situation.

The fact that Manh Hung did not travel with SLNA to Pleiku to play against HAGL further increased suspicion that Manh Hung was being disciplined internally for non-professional reasons. That period of time for the player from Nghia Dan was no different from torture.

Entering the second leg of V. League 2016, Manh Hung was able to play continuously and played quite well, especially in the match against HAGL in round 18. But bad luck still did not let Manh Hung go, in a collision with teammate The Nhat in the match against Long An exactly 1 week later, Manh Hung was injured and left the field after only 10 minutes of the match. The 2016 season ended for Manh Hung in the saddest way.

Returning after a long period of injury, Manh Hung was arranged by SLNA's coaching staff to be in the starting lineup for the away match against FLC Thanh Hoa in round 1 of V. League 2017. It seems that Thanh Hoa stadium is not a good place for Manh Hung when right at the beginning of the second half, in a careless clearance, the central defender born in 1993 sent the ball into his own net.

That mistake caused a stir in public opinion. The following matches of the Nghe An team did not see Manh Hung. The sadness had not yet subsided when, during a practice match, Manh Hung injured the meniscus of his left knee.

Longing for the day of return

Accidentally met Manh Hung in a coffee shop next to Vinh stadium in the afternoon of early April. Hung 'crossbar' pointed to the painful spot on his left knee and boasted: "After more than 10 days of applying tobacco, the pain has eased, bro. I hope to recover soon so I can return to competition, because resting like this is very uncomfortable."

According to the doctor's conclusion, Manh Hung's meniscus injury will take at least 5-6 months to completely recover. The 2017 season is considered over for the 24-year-old center back.

This season, Manh Hung has only played 1 match due to injury. Photo: Trung Kien

When mentioning the rumors over the past time, Manh Hung's eyes were filled with sadness.

“I admit that those mistakes were my own, but they were purely professional mistakes, not at all like people have made up. As a professional player, I am aware of my responsibilities and rights. Think about it, if I did something wrong, would I be able to escape the law so easily? Sometimes I feel discouraged, without the trust and encouragement of my teachers, teammates and family, I would have given up my career.” Manh Hung finished with a soft sigh.

At the end of this season, Manh Hung has only 1 year left on his contract with his home team SLNA. With consecutive injuries and unfortunate scandals over the past time, the chance of the Nghe An team extending Manh Hung's contract is quite small.

Looking sadly into the distance, Hung 'crossbar' confided: "My wish is to continue to contribute to my hometown team. SLNA is not only my love but also my benefactor."

Manh Hung left the bar in a rather heavy mood because of his past mistakes, his current injury, and his uncertain future. Hopefully, with all the struggles he has gone through, this player will stand up strong and not disappoint his fans any more! Keep it up, Hung 'tiu'./.

Thanh Hung