The Future for Terrorised Defences Around the World?

Manchester United has a history of producing the finest players in the world. The club has a very good youth academy which has developed youngsters into world renowned players: Hughes, Giggs, Beckham, Rooney, and Ballon D’or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

In 1996, Beckham’s wonder 57-yard (52 m) goal at Wimbledon marked truly the start of a new era at Manchester United with young players such as David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes. This era culminated in the famous treble.  But now we see new youngsters who are breaking into the first team squad. Is it a new era for Manchester United?

Does the goal from Macheda against Aston Villa announce a new era as did Beckham’s  goal at Wimbledon? A more detailed analysis tells us that this new batch of youngsters are more skilled and talented than the 1996 batch. The Reserve team has won the Lancashire Senior Cup two years in a row now. We had not won this competition since 1969! Not even the 1996 youngsters could win that competition.

The young players that are deemed talented enough to become regular first team members are Macheda, Evans, Welbeck, Rafael, Fabio, Gibson,Possebon and Tosic . So what are their chances of succeding on the big stage?

Macheda: the young Italian has already set his name in the first team squad with his stunning injury time goal against Aston Villa. His strengths are pace, positioning, heading, awareness and finishing. Also he has great physical presence for a 18 year old. We hope he doesn’t get any injury as this  seems the only obstacle that can hinder his process of becoming one of Europe’s finest strikers.

Rafael and Fabio: the 19 year old twin Brazilians are set to rock the Premier League with their dribbling, pace, acceleration and determination. They are full backs with an affinity for long runs deep into the opponent’s area. However they are a bit injury prone. Let’s just hope they improve their physique.

Evans: is already a first team member and is set for a bright future if he continues to work hard and challenge the best defensive duo Man Utd has ever seen (Ferdinand and Vidic). The presence of Rio, Vidic and Neville will be a plus for Evans who will gain in experience. Evans is also an important member of the Northern Ireland team and looks to become a permanent starter for United once Vidic or Ferdinand leaves.

Welbeck: marked his Premier League debut with a curling 30-yard strike into the top right corner against Stoke City. What a goal that was for this 18 year old striker who can also play as a winger. He is tall, pacey and has good acceleration. He combines well with Macheda as we have seen in the Fa Cup semi-final against Everton last season. Will this duo be as lethal as Cole and Yorke?

Gibson: won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Award as United’s youth player of the year 2006. His set of skills make him a true successor to Michael Carrick. He has now integrated Ireland first team with 5 appearences and is set to play a major role for United because of Owen Hargreaves absence and the ageing Scholes and Giggs.

Possebon: has been tagged as the new Paul Scholes for  his passing and vision. He has been impressive for the reserves squad. However, an atrocious injury kept him out for several months and hindered his progress at a such crucial stage. He has now moved on loan to Braga. Let’s hope he gets to play regularly there and develop fully his potential.

Tosic: he was signed from Partizan Belgrade after some scintillating displays.

He has good pace, crosses the ball well and has great determination. He has even asked to take the free kicks after the departure of Ronaldo. He has the potential to become the next Messi. He has made 15 appearences for Serbia and scored a brace against South Africa in a friendly.

As we have seen ,the new youngsters have the skills ad the experience to make it big. Let’s hope luck is on their side!