[Soccer] Park Considered ‘Lucky Charm’ for United

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung is considered a lucky charm for the defending English Premier League champions. Whenever he plays, his team is said to never lose.

But Park shrugs such superstition off.

In his team’s final home game Saturday against West Ham, Park started in United’s 4-1 win. His team has won all 13 games that Park has played in this season, and counting last season, the team is undefeated in the 26 games that he has made an appearance.

After the victory over West Ham, Park said, “We were just lucky. I don’t think my appearance affects the results. I just happened to play when our team led.”

On winning the team’s final home game of the season, he said, “We got closer to the championship. Today’s victory will positively affect our remaining two games: one is the season finale and the other is the final of the UEFA Champions League.”

Park will be the first Asian to take part in a Champions League final, but said, “I have no special ideas. It’s just an honor.”

Against West Ham, United was leading 3-1 when midfielder Nani was sent off for head-butting an opponent. But Cristiano Ronaldo’s two goals and additional scores from Michael Carrick and Carlos Tevez helped the team’s cause.

The British network Sky Sports gave Park a rating of seven, calling his performance “eager.” Ronaldo is also leading the Premier League with 30 goals this season, six more than his closest competitor, Emmanuel Adebayor of Arsenal.

If United beats Wigan Athletic Sunday in the season finale, the Red Devils will retain their league title for the second straight year. United also faces Chelsea for the Champions League title on May 21.