On Monday as we took on and beat Arsenal, there was something different about our team.
At the time I didn’t actually realise but after it dawned on me; it was the first time we had beaten one of the the big teams without either Giggs, Scholes or Neville starting well at least according to David Sadler’s column in the the M.E.N. A similar team had done a number on Blackburn a few weeks ago but Arsenal aren’t Blackburn and this would prove a much sterner test.
As he said all teams that are going through a stage of rebuilding need a major scalp to get the process really running and on Monday I think we got that and just as important we got it whilst all 3 of the old guard were still at the club. The confidence amongst the young players must be high as a win like that can inspire thoughts that they can actually carry on the legacy. If the game had taken place when Giggs, Neville and Scholes had left a lot more emphasis would have been placed on the fact and that could have weighed heavily on them but on Monday they were allowed to play without that stress and these ‘heirs’ Nani, Rafael and Anderson all passed the test, proving that they may indeed be able to step up to the plate, quashing previous fears about them.
The game this Sunday against Chelsea will be a further test and away from home I can see Sir Alex to reintroducing some experience into the team but if he goes with the same team that faced Arsenal I won’t be worried as our players are no longer looking like stand ins, rather they are looking the part.
The Busby Way is now on Facebook, like us pretty please *flutters eyelashes* (I am aware of how desperate and needy this sounds)
Rio Ferdinad’s 5 Magazine continues to supply us with stunners click the image for a gallery of Victoria Moore
We played big games without the oldies plenty of times before. 2008 FA Cup versus Arsenal; 2009 CL semi-finals, against Arsenal again; Bayern München at Old Trafford last season; Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, last season again. All big games; neither featured Neville, Scholes or Giggs from the start.
“away from home I can see Sir Alex to reintroducing some experience into the team”
Van der Sar, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Rooney, Park, Carrick, Fletcher – these players have ample experience at the very highest level.
I think Sadler is alluding to the fact this is a new team ie sans Ronaldo and Tevez. Against Chelsea last term Giggs started and was subbed off for Obertan and whilst we beat Bayern we went out of the competition.
In context of the article you know when I saw experience I am referring to Giggs, Scholes or at a long shot Neville.
Thanks for nitpicking and ignoring the general message of the actual article though!