Manchester United has always been a club where young players are valued and given there shot. It is a theme recurrent through out United's history. You see it with the Busby babes and again with Fergie's Fledgelings. Now it seems that Sir Alex wants to have another go. This will be old master's 4th team and it is looking to be another great one.
This summer was rampant with rumors concerning United's midfield and what player would replace Paul Scholes. The most popular rumor suggested a move for Wesley Sheijder. However, this move seems highly unlikely. Fergie has already made his purchases for the summer and seems set to give his young players a chance to prove themselves this season. So far, they have done a great job. The Pre-season friendlies always provide opportunities for the youngsters to show what they can do and this summer was no different. I actually had the pleasure of being able to attend the match in D.C. against Barca. It was amazing to see the two top clubs in the world face off. United winning was an added bonus. Tom Cleverley was magnificent. I have been becoming more and more impressed with Cleverley impressed with the midfielder over the past few seasons. He has been loaned out to several different clubs. (actually winning the player of the season award at Watford). Finally, it seems, that Sir Alex thinks it is time to give Cleverley his chance with the first team. Kudos to him for that because the young midfielder looks set to shine.
Following the club's pre-season tour of the U.S., They faced off against their crosstown rivals in the community shield. This was a big match considering City's spending and new claims to the top four. Down 2-0 at the half United came back for a spectacular win of 3-2. Fergie replaced many of the starters with his younger players. Both center backs came off and were replaced by Johnny Evans and Phil Jones who looked cool and confident at the back. Nani had a spectacular game with two goals and Cleverley once again shone in the midfield. It is always exciting to beat City but the youthful side ( average age 22) made this match even more special and showed what Fergie's side are capable of this season.
The match against West Brom had similar previews of youthful talent. Both Vidic and Ferdinand came off with injuries but, their replacements seemed up to the challenge. Even though it was a bit of a gritty match, United were clearly the better team. De Gea is getting some greif about two missed saves. The spaniard has more great saves under his belt than misses for United but, the media is out to cause problems, Personally I am not concerned. It would take anyone sometime to settle in at the biggest club in the world let alone a twenty year old. In the end I think he will come through.
This year is shaping up to be an exciting new campaign for the Reds. Dont get me wrong, I love the old guard but there is something exciting about young players coming into the club and being successful. Lets hope that is the case because United has a tough schedule over the next few weeks. They face Totenham, Arsenal and Chelsea over the space of just a few weeks. With Ferdinand and Vidic both sidelined by injuries this could prove a tough task. However, it could alson prove to be the stage where Fergie's new fledgilings show their worth. As usual I expect United to come through.
