It’s funny how certain events trigger off something buried deep in the memory. There was a downpour on May 11 1968. Manchester City and United went into the final game of the season – United at home to struggling Sunderland, City at Newcastle – on level points. I spent the day at the local recreation ground with my pal who was a United fan. He had a George Best-style haircut and wore a United shirt. Actually, he was a decent player, one of the best, in fact, and if he had been a bit bolder, could have made it as a pro, of that I am sure. We were nine years old at the time. We had spent the afternoon playing football with his…