The Future Is Bright

Today we lost the FA Cup semi final at Wembley against Everton in heart breaking circumstances, but I think there were many positives to be taken from the game. The first being that if justice was done we would have won that match, as we were denied a clear penalty and goal scoring opportunity late in the second half - which frankly I think we would have been given had it not been for Moyes’ remarks in the week about his belief that the referee is a United fan.

Many would have questioned Sir Alex’s decision to start with a team mainly consisting of young players, but he clearly felt the big name players were too tired, and that this was a perfect opportunity for the youngsters to show their hunger and potential, and a truly believe they did just that.

In goal, Foster had a couple of nervy moments but he kept a clean sheet over 120 minutes and needed to be given the opportunity to show his worth. The Da Silva twins were fantastic in the fullback positions especially as they have both been out with injuries, they made good use of the ball and defended excellently. In midfield, Gibson battled well and did very little wrong, had a great shot too, while Anderson had one of his most productive games in a long time which has restored some of my confidence in him. On the right it has to be said Park was poor, his use of the ball was shocking and he did very little to impact the game. Contrast to the other flank where

Welbeck showed he has plenty of potential, using the ball well, finding the right passes and moving well to link up with Macheda. Should have had a penalty/goal too. Up front, Tevez had a bad game, made poor use of the ball as has become a regular thing of late, and never looked like scoring. Though he did find some very good positions to receive the ball. Macheda, who was the stand out player for me, led the line like a man far beyond his age. He played with the aggression and desire of a true center forward. He was winning headers, linking up with his team mates, particularly Welbeck, and I think if he’d had more time on the pitch he could have got a goal. He looked like just the kind of player we need to partner Rooney and showed huge potential.

This game has shown many positive things to me. One of which being that when/ if (I’m pretty sure he will) Tevez leaves this summer, we may not need to splash out on a new striker because Macheda really looked the part today, he was not fazed by the occasion and gave a very good defensive partnership some problems. Welbeck looks like able back up too.

While we did lose the game, we should have won it with the penalty that never was. And it is this kind of bold belief in the younger players we have that has allowed us to have such continued success under Alex Ferguson’s management. A lot of the youngsters took this opportunity with both hands and showed they are ready to make the step up whenever the boss wants them too.

When we take a delve into our reserves and academy team, we see that something special is on the horizon at Old Trafford. Talent is there that we haven’t seen in some time. Notably for me are 3 Englishmen making a name for themselves in the United ranks. Matt James, a young man currently plyijg his trade in the reserve team, surrounded by people well beyond his age but standing out among them, is a solid midfielder who can do the lot, pass, tackle, score and dominate, what more would you want? Ryan Tunnicliffe, is another midfielder younger than James currently in the academy team, he has a style reminicent of a young Steven Gerrard and is just a superb player; plays with 100% commitment every game and again can pass tackle and score. Possibly the real jewell, without placing too much expectation upon anybody, is a young winger name Ravel Morrison, with lightening pace, unbelievable dribbling ability, and deadly finishing, he really is one to watch out for. Then there is also the likes of David Petrucci, a young Italian who is like a playmaker in attacking midfield, with a cracking shot on him, best mates with Macheda and is showing potential. These players will have been inspired by their slightly elder counter-parts in today’s semi final and will be determined to make the break themselves.

It seems the conveyor-belt of talented young players is well and truly on the move once again, and is making for a promising future for Manchester United. Seems to me that a perfect blend of finding a few gems from around the world, without bringing in too many to starve the local lads, and putting countless effort into producing our own local-brand footballers is about to really pay off, and I think it has been carefully planned by Ferguson, is is already building the team of the future. He knows that his time will be up soon, and that tha catalyst for his success has been the golden generation of youngsters he had when he first arrived here as manager all those years ago. He wants his successor to have this luxury awaiting him in order to continue this success of Manchester United - and whoever that man is, will not be disappointed.

The future is bright, the future is red

Author: Richie,,

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