Manchester United – changing of the guard? (Part 1)

Is it time for a new, last crop of Fergie’s Fledglings to take hold?

Does it seem suspect talking about a changing of the guard at a football club that boasts the “best footballer in the world” and is poised to take an unprecedented haul of silverware?  Despite a very distinguished squad, the situation is very real.  The current Man Utd squad includes a few players with top years at United ahead of them, but the squad is also populated with older stars whose usefulness at the very top level has declined, underperforming players, and some very expensive acquisitions whose usefulness seems to vary and who may jump ship – or be pushed. 

The last crop of fledglings came into the Man Utd first team more than a decade ago and have moved on or are well past their peak.  Just imagine promoting players like this from the youth ranks to the senior team – this is a significant part of what years of success were built on.

Names you’ll  instantly recognize – you may have studied them in history class

David Beckham  Beckham left Man Utd more than 5 years ago and is currently splitting his time between the Serie A and the MLS. He’s done well for AC Milan over the last few months, but seems surely on borrowed time for top level football.

 Nicky Butt Nicky Butt’s career has suffered setbacks, but he would currently be considered an important player at Newcastle. Newcastle, on the other hand, will more than likely be getting relegated out of the Premiership in short order, so the standard on that team is somewhat below MUFC.

 Ryan Giggs Giggs has shown impressive longevity and contribution for Man Utd, though he seems limited in how many matches he can play being older now, in his 18th season as a senior player. Giggs had made the difference in some matches this season, a tremendous tribute to him, but it begs the question – where is the fresh blood coming up behind him? He can’t go on forever.

Paul Scholes Scholes is someone Sir Alex Ferguson relies on for midfield control in big matches, but Paul’s ability to make a difference seems to have finally faded out this year. His cannon-ball blasts seem to have been replaced by handballs in front of goal, though his late, ugly tackles remain, and perhaps his feet are no longer quick enough? The midfielder is begging for replacement.

Gary Neville Gary returned from injury only to demonstrate against Porto he no longer has what it takes at the top level. All the experience and desire in the world doesn’t make up for lacking play. He’d be a great right back for many lesser clubs, but one would wager a large sum Gary would never play for any other club and even now Man Utd have better choices. It’s time for him to try using his coaching badges, he’s still got the fire, it’s just the legs that aren’t what they were.

Phil Neville Phil, Gary’s brother, has been an Everton man for several years now and is doing well at that club where talent is often scarce and cagey tactics are the order of the day. Phil has played nearly all Everton’s games this season, but you’d have to wonder if he’d get an Man Utd starts if he was still at the club.

So perhaps you’re convinced the fledglings of the 1990’s are ready to be replaced, yet you have two questions:

1. Where will the new fledglings come from, who are they?
2. Is Ferguson, a knighted manager but on the verge of retirement, the right manager to groom the new wave?

We’ll talk about those in Part 2.  Share your thoughts below.