Youngsters shine for Manchester United on US Tour
When Manchester United confirmed their US Tour earlier in the year, fans in America were eagerly anticipating the prospect of seeing Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and co in action.
But it’s been a new wave of Fergie’s fledgling who have stolen the show during this pre-season, with last night’s emphatic 5-2 victory over an MLS All Stars team suggesting that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has done it again.
A brace from Federico Macheda, plus further strikes from Darron Gibson, Tom Cleverley and new signing Javier Hernandez sealed the Red Devils’ third pre-season victory of the summer with just over a week to go until the Community Shield against Chelsea.
Hernandez, making his first appearance for the Premier League side, delighted Ferguson with a hugely impressive debut performance. The 22-year-old came on as a second-half substitute, and showcased his raw pace and coolness in front of goal with a brilliant lobbed finish to put the match beyond reach.
Over the course of his 23-year reign at Old Trafford, Ferguson has reshaped his squad on numerous occasions, consistently blooding through rising stars from the youth sides. Only a handful ever make the grade properly, but in the next generation of United players, there appear to be several with genuine star potential.
Midfielders Gibson and Cleverley continue to progress, and both look capable of staying in and around the United squad for years to come. Macheda and Danny Welbeck upfront, likewise.
Meanwhile, new arrival Chris Smalling has looked extremely promising, if not a little raw, on this tour. The 20-year-old is a towering centre-back and already appears to be yet another shrewd signing by Ferguson.
It’s unlikely that the United manager will strengthen his squad any further between now and the start of the season. Ferguson has stated that there isn’t much value in the transfer market at present - a sentiment echoed by chief executive David Gill.
But some supporters will feel this is merely a cover-up for the lack of transfer funds readily available for the manager. Finances and debt have been a major hot topic at the club since the unpopular Glazer family bought the club five years ago – and one which continues to cast a dark cloud over Old Trafford.
Despite the fans’ vehement Green and Gold protest to remove the American owners, Ferguson continues to defend them. If it was any other manager, these comments would have certainly been looked upon with distain by the supporters.
"They've done the job well. I've never been refused when I've asked for money for a player," insisted the United boss. "What can I do other than carry on the way we're doing it and the way I'm allowed to - I've no complaints."
When Cristiano Ronaldo was sold to Real Madrid for an astronomical £80 million last summer, it was made crystal clear that every penny would be available for future transfers. Yet, only a quarter of that sum was eventually spent on new signings.
With debt levels currently standing at over £800million, it’s understandable that supporters have voiced concerned over the future of their club. The fact that Malcolm Glazer and his sons knew next to nothing about the sport or the club itself hardly helped matters, and they further infuriated fans when they branded Manchester United a “franchise”.
However, many fears have been allayed over the past five years – particularly with their lack of involvement in club matters. And this is why Ferguson is quick to defend them. The Scot has been allowed to carry on as normal since the club lost its PLC status, and it’s he who continues to make all the key decisions regarding transfers.
Fortunately for the United manager, he is safe in the knowledge that he doesn’t need to spend big this summer to keep up with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and local rivals Manchester City. Ferguson is renowned for not spending over the odds, unless completely necessary, and has a wealth of young talent to call upon this season.
At 68, Ferguson may not have too long left in charge of the club he’s become synonymous with. But with his current squad, nobody will be writing off his chances of bringing a lot more silverware to Old Trafford before he finally bows out of the game.
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