Much has been said of Manchester United’s ageing squad with Scholes, Giggs, Van Der Sar and Neville all the wrong side of 30, but Sir Alex Ferguson has some of the most talented bunch of youngsters at his disposal since Scholes, Beckham and the Neville brothers made the grade in United’s squad in 1992.
Fergie has been building another United squad with the same qualities that brought great success and entertainment to Old Trafford in 1992.
United’s sole signing in the Summer is Mexican striker Javier Hernandez (22), who reportedly signed from Mexican out-fit Chivas for £7m. Had he not been signed before the World Cup his fee would probably been double what Ferguson signed him for. Chicharito as he is known as in his native Mexico has already hit the ground running scoring on his debut for United in a 5-2 win over the MLS All Stars and his pace alone will have many a Premier League defence running scared of the potent attacker this season.
United also have another two young strikers who are determined to partner Wayne Rooney up-front this season in Danny Welbeck (19) and Federico Macheda (18).
Welbeck has already scored 5 goals in 24 appearances for the Red Devils with many of them appearances coming as a substitute and when you take into account he played many games out on either flanks, he hasn’t got a bad goal-scoring record for the club.
Macheda became an instant United favourite after he scored a late winner for United in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa 15 months ago as United claimed their 18th League title. Injuries have kept the striker from progressing further, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Macheda is the best one on one finisher at the club including Wayne Rooney which speaks volumes of the Italians potential.
United also have the Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio (20) ready to make the full-back positions their own like the way the Neville brothers did in 1992. Both like to get forward and it won’t be long before they become permanent fixtures in the United starting eleven that’s for sure.
Fergie also splashed £10 on Fulham Centre-Back Chris Smalling (20) in January last year and he is being nurtured to eventually partner Jonny Evans (22) in the heart of the United defence making it a young and formidable back four with Fabio and Rafael either side of the defence.
United are hoping that in 20 year-old Ben Amos they have an eventual replacement for Dutch veteran Edwin Van Der Sar and he has already made one First team appearance against Middlesbro in last seasons Carling Cup.
Tom Cleverley (20) is also a player with great potential, he spent most of last season on-loan at Watford and received rave reviews for his efforts. The midfielder like Scholes loves getting forward and has a keen eye for goal.
As we can see Alex Ferguson is building a new legacy which will carry on successfully when he does eventually decide to retire, which doesn’t look like happening any-time soon.
