Football Update: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has Captaincy concerns
Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the he will decide Manchester United's new captain on Tuesday night’s game against Glasgow Rangers. It has always been clear at the Red Devils camp that once Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs finally put an end to their glorious careers, English international Rio Ferdinand would inherit the responsibilities of the coveted armband.
However, even though both Gary and Giggs still have a lot to contribute this season, the manager has decided that a regular first team player should be given the responsibility, thus, he has decided to pass on the role. Serbian International Nemanja Vidic has been doing the job this season and has looked quite composed with the responsibility.
However, with centre back Ferdinand finally making his much awaited come back to side following his full recovery from the knee injury that wrecked his hopes of Captaining the English team in the World Cup, the manager has a tough decision to make ahead of the European tie with Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers. The manager claimed that over the past two to three years, they had to pass the armband over a few selected players.
"We have not had a consistent captain. With all due respect to Gary Neville, he knows and I know, we don't play him every week and I am looking for someone who does," claimed Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. If Ferdinand is not awarded the Captain’s armband, it would be a mighty blow for the player whose credentials as the English Captain have also come under the spot light. Following the remarkable way Liverpool Skipper Steven Gerrard has taken over the responsibilities of the Three Lions Captain for the past few months.
In addition, Serbian National side Captain Nemanja Vidic has been far more reliable in form of fitness and performance and has had the Serbian Captain arm band for quite some time. When the media asked the question on whether Ferdinand or Vidic would get the arm band, the manager laughed that the media likes to complicate issues on purpose and that he hasn’t had a discussion regarding the matter yet. Talks of Ferguson ignoring both Neville and Giggs, signals towards an expected end towards their glorious careers at Old Trafford. The manager however, expects two more years from both of these players. The manager confirmed that following the retirement of Scholes, Giggs and Neville, United would have to spend some extra cash to bring in replacements. United have not spent a lot of cash for the past two summers owing the manager not finding enough value for money in the market.
"We are not at the point where we have to go overboard to get the best player in the world. There are enough really top players in the club at the moment. There may be a time in the next couple of years where we have to stretch ourselves, particularly when Ryan, Paul and Gary retire. Then, it is a possibility we would need to get really top players in to galvanize the younger ones coming through.” Claimed the 69 year old manager, who may well be on the verge of his own retirement.
Manchester United faces an exciting contest when they face Glasgow Rangers at Old Trafford. Walter Smith, the current manager of the Scottish Champions, has been a close friend and under study of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. For Manchester United, Wayne Rooney would be expected to start following his shock omission from the 3-3 draw at Goodison Park over the weekend.
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