Foundations For The Future

Every day’s a school day, says the old adage, and this season has been riddled with lessons for every player in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad.

The Reds have been tested throughout the campaign and subjected to unforgiving examinations of resolve, mentality and ability - yet have come through the other side with a wealth of knowledge to tap into.

The disappointing concession of an eight-point lead has left United's title defence astride a knife-edge but, however the final round of fixtures pans out, Sir Alex Ferguson's squad has rarely looked so well set for the challenges ahead. Here’s why…

Character references
Since emerging from the wreckage of Munich, Manchester United has been a club built on its spirit and obstinate refusal to bow to adversity. This season has tested our mettle to its breaking point; heaping injuries galore on top of the usual burden of learning on the job. Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher, first-team fixtures in recent seasons, have made just 10 appearances apiece, a figure barely passed by Anderson and Tom Cleverley, who started the season as the Reds’ first-choice central midfield pairing. They have headlined a lengthy list of injury victims, yet still the champions have honourably defended the title won last season by a team with considerably more experience. "As soon as you walk through the door here it [character] is drilled into you,” says Michael Carrick. “The young lads who have arrived at the club or come up through the youth ranks have all got huge amounts of ability and, at different times of the season, they’ve all stood up and played their part. The experience they’ll gain will be invaluable and stand them in good stead for years to come.”

Tiers, no fears
In football, youth stands the greatest chance of success when flanked by experience, and the current United squad boasts both ends of the age scale, as well as a sturdy bridge between the two. “The manager always looks to have that,” says Ryan Giggs. “He keeps the old players around who bring the experience, like me and Scholesy, but he constantly brings young players through too. So we’ve got that base of older players, then the ones who are in their mid-20s to 30 and then the really young players, so there are different tiers in the team.” Having removed a glut of over-30s from his squad last summer, the subsequent influx of youngsters has substantially freshened Sir Alex’s roster. The side that started the 2011 Champions League final had an average age of 28.09; three months on, the XI that dismantled Tottenham clocked in at 23.09. Now armed with a squad full of hunger, vibrancy and know-how, the boss has a strong cocktail for sustained success.

Band of brothers
From joining the Busby Babes and subsequently watching Fergie’s Fledglings scale the bar-setting heights for United, Sir Bobby Charlton not only knows promising talent when he sees it, but also appreciates the camaraderie that builds among packs of young players trying to realise the same aim. “There’s absolutely no question that this squad of players has a bright future,” the club ambassador told United Review recently. “I’m privileged enough to go into the training ground at Carrington sometimes, and whenever I go and watch them training together and get an insight into how they are together, it’s very exciting. I’ll tell you now that it’s going to be something really worth waiting for, to watch these players learn together and become a part of the Manchester United way.”

Old heads, young shoulders
Regardless of how this season pans out, there are precious few members of the squad who are yet to sample silverware at Old Trafford. Chris Smalling and Chicharito won the Premier League in their first season with the Reds, while David De Gea, Phil Jones and Tom Cleverley ended their first competitive appearance for the club with a Community Shield winner’s medal last August. Sir Alex’s fearlessness in blooding youngsters has always reaped rewards, and explains the Reds’ role in the title race this season, according to Jonny Evans. “I think one of the reasons we’ve coped [with injuries] is the young players,” says the 24-year-old defender, who already has seven winners’ medals in his possession. “The manager gives young players games and that means they’re ready when they’re thrown in. There’s a real hunger among the younger players here because they know that if they do well the manager will keep giving them opportunities.”

Future fixtures
As the Class of ’92 displayed, the promotion of youth can be a profitable gamble. Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, David Beckham and Paul Scholes broke into the first team and each pinned down a starting berth for the best part of a decade or more, and United’s recruitment policy is aimed at replicating that stability. Earlier this year, Sir Alex said of David De Gea: “We bought him on the premise that he could be our 'keeper for 10 years,” and players such as Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Tom Cleverley, Rafael and Javier Hernandez are all tied to long-term deals. Armed with the experiences of recent weeks, months and years, the youngsters are well equipped for what lies ahead. Chief executive David Gill, meanwhile, has confirmed that another active summer awaits, saying: “There are various contracts to do, we’ll look at some acquisitions and there will be some players who will leave. It’s an interesting time.”

Harsh lessons
Nowhere has United’s inexperience been more evident than in European competition this term. Three Champions League finals in four seasons had inevitably inflated expectations ahead of the 2011/12 assault, but the surrender of leads at Old Trafford against Basel and Benfica highlighted the unforgiving nature of Continental football. Nor was it restricted to the Champions League, as Europa League defeats to Ajax and Athletic Club confirmed. Having been there, done it and won it, former Reds defender Gary Neville relayed his experience of the Continental game to United Review in February: “The only way you learn European football is by playing games and absorbing lessons,” he said. “These young players are going to be with the club for a number of years, and I think that this year has almost been a step back to go forwards in Europe.” Roll on September, and another tilt at a fourth Champions League crown.

Platform gains
Success breeds success, and the rewards of two silver-laden decades and a rich history are all around this newest iteration of United: Great Britain’s largest club stadium and the world’s biggest fanbase to fill it, plus an expert coaching staff and a training facility currently undergoing a facelift geared to render it the finest in football. While Carrington will remain a work-in-progress for the foreseeable future, the end vision is gleaming in the distance. “We know at this club how important it is to keep progressing,” admits the manager. “You have to have a vision of how you can improve things to a really top level and we’ve got some exciting plans for Carrington including a new medical centre. The medical department is closely linked in with the sports science work we do, which has become very important in the modern game. And both departments play a key role in us continually doing well.”

Constant craving
Having passed his 25-year anniversary at Old Trafford this season, it’s easy to take Sir Alex for granted. But, as this talented squad continues to grow together, they’re fortunate to be learning their trade under the best manager in the business. Fortunately for all concerned, the boss has already confirmed his sights are set on the future, and future success within it. “I don’t know how long it’s going to last now, but if my health holds up I don’t see another two or three years would harm me,” he said earlier this year. “I think you need stamina in my job and I think I’ve been blessed with good stamina. I’ll know it’s time when I’m not enjoying it. I think you always want to go out on a winning note and hopefully we can do that.” With his experience filtering down to his burgeoning young side, hope springs eternal at Old Trafford.