Sir Alex Ferguson would be celebrating his silver jubilee at the Old Trafford next month. The Scott would complete twenty five years at the helm of one of the most decorated football clubs in the world, Manchester United. A mere article will not be enough to delve into such a long career as Fergie has had, with entirety, nor would it be possible to study all the variables in the so remarkably balanced equation between the manager and the team.
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One aspect of the Scott’s style of functioning that has been evident is his astute understanding of balance; the balance between young blood and experience. It can be observed that the Man United management hardly ever rushes young talent on the centre stage and leave them on their own. Ruud van Nistelrooy was on the most prominent strikers for the club from 2001 to 2006. Wayne Rooney made his debut in 2004. It meant that the dynamic and explosive Rooney was given enough time alongside a veteran like van Nistelrooy to blossom and hone his skills at the big stage. Quite similar is the case with Xavier Hernandez. The Mexican was signed just last year and what an impact he’s made. He too, has a great opportunity to flower under the likes of Rooney. While Rooney and Hernandez give explosive quality the attack, the likes of Michael Owen and Berbatov provide steadiness.
While one splendid winger in Christiano Ronaldo left in 2009, the Scott had already signed another winger, Nani, two years in advance. Nani too, has the explosive pace like CR7 but may be lesser skill. But Nani has age on his side, he can torment the back four even if he is allowed a tad bit of space and can shoot long range from either foot. Just like Rooney got the two-year period while van Nistelrooy was the boss, Nani had the same with Ronaldo. It is not a matter of coincidence that when United’s stalwarts leave, the Red Devils come up with solid replacements. The passing of the baton is a planned exercise and is generally a gradual process where a cushion of at least a couple of years is provided to the youngsters. It is taken care of that a youngster, no matter how talented he is, is not made to shoulder the heavy burden of expectations.
Exciting new talents in training
With Gary Neville hanging up his boots last season, it would be interesting to see who fills in his large boots that the right-back has left vacant. Of course, the management has a number of options (some say too many options) in Johnny Evans, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones etc. But one mustn’t forget that Vidic is 30 and Ferdinand 33. Fergie would like to give his young and talented defensive lot enough time to establish itself alongside the likes of Rio Ferdinand. Many say that Smalling would be the successor of Rio; that only time would tell. That United fans and management are already excited at the prospect of Phil Jones. For a defender he has shown remarkable pace while moving forward in whatever one has seen of the 19 year old this season. With his physical presence he can be dangerous in set-pieces too.
As far as the mid-field is concerned, Man United has always been spoilt for choices. Even in the current set-up it seems a wealthy crop. Ashley Young is an exciting new signing from Aston Villa while Anderson continues to impress. Nevertheless, the diminutive but mighty figure of Paul Scholes would be impossible to replace like the erstwhile Captain Roy Keane at the Old Trafford. Ryan Giggs is also nearing his swan-song. It would be interesting to keep an eye on the transitions that Sir Alex would like to orchestrate in the mid-field.
Edwin kept the house safe; de Gea is for sure filling in very large boots
With Edwin van der Sar hanging his gloves at the end of last season, the whole of the Man United’s management was anxious not to repeat the Peter Schmeicel fiasco of 1999. Although the French veteran, Fabian Bartez did a fine job from 2001-2004, Man U went through an uncertain phase in front of their goal until they found Edwin. David de Gea, who’s quite young and talented, has been impressive till now. He has shown signs of nerves at times, which, is but expected of a 21 year old trying to find his feet at such a big stage and moreover, filling in for a keeper like Edwin.
It is still early days in the Premier League to assess performances and strategies, but a slight change in Man United’s game is evident. United have been playing a far more open game than usual. It could be because Sir Alex wants to give enough exposure to young brigade while using the old legs like Rio, Giggs and Vidic sparingly. Since the Red Devils have a rookie goalkeeper, it would be interesting to see how much can Sir Alex bank upon his young defense.
In the game against Norwich City this Saturday, there seemed to be a lack of co-ordination between the mid-field and defense. With Rio and Giggs on the bench for most part of the game and Vidic missing, the control was a touch amiss. As the United fans would say and for good reason – “In Fergie we believe.” So would I. Sometimes one has to gamble with the youngsters to assess their progress. Manchester United has some big games coming up and one can bet that Fergie would put on the park a team which has the balance of youth and years. The far-sight of the Scott would ensure that the best script is written for the young guns, who would in time act the parts they are best attuned to at ‘The Theatre of Dreams’.
