Who’s Will Make Fergie’s Best Eleven? …
REDVILLE: United’s Best XI
Well, snuggle me from behind if United haven’t got a great squad this season. The on-going saga with you know who, is starting to make most of us feel queasy and it would suit me fine if the subject wasn’t mentioned again in the media until a resolution has been reached. Even the rags must be getting bored of this story by now.
But if CT does arrive at Old Trafford, the mind boggles as to how the team will shape up when it comes to the crunch.
As modern Premiership squads grow ever bigger, it’s often said that managers no longer have a perceived ‘best eleven’. There is an obvious degree of truth in this, with coaches regularly picking a team based on the specific strengths and weaknesses of the given opposition, whilst rotating players for freshness.
But, with a full squad to choose from, who will Fergie deem to be his most potent XI in 2008? This is how it should pan out.
GK. Edwin VDS
Will show more signs of ageing in 07/08 as his reflexes decline interminably with age. But, even at 38, he is still a top drawer professional. A sort of Teddy Sheringham between the posts, whose understanding of the game outweighs the exponential loss of physical speed and strength. Foster will become increasingly prominent during Edwin’s swan song season and would have been pushing much harder but for the injury. Everyone has given up looking for ‘the next Schmeichel’, but Foster already looks the most complete English keeper of his generation.
RB. Gary Neville
United’s success is the coming season is every bit as dependant on luck as talent. If the squad stays largely fit, as in ’99, then silverware should be assured. Gary Neville has at least two full years left in him and will be desperate to play after sustained injury problems. Consistency personified.
CB: Nemanja Vidic
Everyone sees his quality. Nearly as good a defender as Stam and nearly as big a goal threat as Bruce. This combination makes him a true titan who will stay in the side for another 5 years. And at last there is the promise of high quality cover in the shape of Gerard Pique and Jonny Evans
CB: Rio Ferdinand
The most talented of the back five. The heart beat of the United defence with few, if any equals in his position. Certain to be the next United captain.
LB: Patrice Evra
Another who needs to stay clear of injury. Unbelievable pace and makes fewer mistakes than any of the other left backs at United. His mobility gives the team an extra attacking dimension, which is sorely missed when Heinze plays.
RM: Cristiano Ronaldo
Has a more skilful player worn the shirt? If he stays at OT for 10 years he can surpass even Best in the hall of fame. Hard to imagine how or where he can improve his game. But, at 22, he probably will.
CM: Owen Hargreaves
Does exactly what it says on the tin. A hard working, intelligent and aggressive player who will sit in front of the back four and allow the forward five to play with freedom.. His work rate in the World Cup would have killed most mortals. His feet recently tried to take him to court for exploitation in the work place. Carrick was superb last season but will take up a more advanced midfield role as his career develops.
CM: Paul Scholes
If the injury isn’t serious and he can maintain his form, he will be the first name on the team sheet for important games this season and next. Doesn’t need to get up and down the pitch like he used to, providing he can continue to demonstrate his devastating range of clinical and penetrative passing. United’s version of Zidane can play on to a similar age with and similar effectiveness.
LM: Anderson
Having seen a few glimpses of him at the Copa America, there is a strange gut feeling that he’ll take United to a new level when he gets to grips with the game in England. Whilst Nani and Giggs are perhaps more obvious choices on the left, I sense that Fergie will end up having to find a place for this guy and, with Scholes and Hargreaves taking the central berths, Anderson’s left foot will be deployed in a wider position. This man is touched with genius.
CF: Wayne Rooney
The Rooneymaister became his own worst enemy when he scored a hat-trick within an hour of his debut for United. From that point on, fans were expecting him to be able to levitate before the end of the season. Scores 20+ goals and creates countless more every year but you still feel there is more in the tank. Must never, ever be allowed to leave The Theatre of Dreams - even at bed times.
CF: Carlos Tevez
You might not have heard of this guy as his transfer to United has been dealt with so swiftly and discreetly. But he can play a bit. A fit Saha is still a top player but Tevez can be a regular match winner in a team of match winners. Has a blend of power and skill that’s ideal for the Premiership and crucial for tough away games in Europe. Another pitbull and born winner for the forward line.
Subs
Kuszczak - Iffy’
Nani – Lightning
Giggs – Fine Wine
Carrick - Young Hoddle
Saha - I saw him smile once. Honest
