Putting Results into Context



Welbeck celebrating a smashing header v Spurs

 ‘Ello ‘ello ‘ello!

Yesterday, Manchester United handed Tottenham Hotspur a convincing 3-0 win at Old Trafford, with the reflections being punted around on that game centering mainly on the talent and poise displayed by the young talent of United. The United starting XI had an average of 23 years and one month, the second youngest squad in Premier League history.

To be sure, they displayed a remarkable sense of the game, passing well , moving into space with ease and commanding the play in either end of the pitch. Their attacking nature was never in question as they relentlessly sought the opening goal and, once had, they continued to attack in a manner befitting the title ‘Champions.’

A slight bias on my behalf you say? Sure I’ll grant you that. Having been raised a United supporter since the early 90’s, you might get away with that as a fair statement. But think for a moment of what last night’s match boiled down to: Manchester United fielding a squad largely comprised of young players who were relatively unproven, against a team that last season reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League by winning some highly impressive matches.

Tottenham lacked a midfield maestro, with Luka Modric being at odds with Spurs over his wish to move on from the North London club, and this did have a negative impact on the style of play with which the Lilywhites played. But they also lacked in the striker position, as none could effectively challenge the 20-somethings of Jones and Smalling, while De Gea was tested from 30+ yards on occasion, which only showed the unimaginative and hopeful from a squad that should know better (tsk tsk).

What’s even more remarkable is how little the youngsters have been with Man United, and this shows the true nature of what the Club has been fashioned into under Sir Alex. Jones and De Gea are recent summer transfers from Blackburn and Atletico Madrid respectively, while Cleverly and Welbeck were on loan to Wigan and Sunderland (not to mention their previous loan spells), and Smalling has only had one year at Old Trafford following a move from Fulham.

That these players have settled into new(ish) surroundings, with training staff, methods and tactical approaches different from their prior experiences and have won with intelligent and robust performances speaks volumes. Sir Alex and his staff have ensured this group have completely fallen-in-line with the Manchester United ethos and expectations, and it’s already paying dividends.

Would the any of those players have started for Chelsea, Liverpool or Man Citeh on the weekend? Most likely not, and the risk of dropping points at any stage in the season is enough to terrify the most hardened of managers. That they were able to do so with United in a massive game is a fantastic indication of the ideology that Sir Alex has held for more than two decades as manager at United. It has served them well in the past and, based on last night’s showing it will certainly do so again in the future. The only real question that remains is what to do with the impending personnel crisis at United. We’ll save that for another time though. Jog on mate!