I was reading through some of the comments on the big United vs. Arsenal thread and it occured to me that Dubbed the New Wenger is a massive plank.
I'd like to ask United fans not to tar us gooners all with the same brush as the majority I know accept that United are a far superior side. Partly in terms of the quality of your players (although I think there is less than 15 points difference between the two sides), and partly because of Fergie and his various abilities which for all his genius Wenger can't seem to match.
I think one of the reasons for success is Fergie's 3-tiered squad system, which seems obvious when you look at it, and you wonder why more clubs haven't adopted it. Chelsea seem to be trying, but they are still over-reliant on the old guard, while Arsenal have focussed mainly on youth.
The system involves:
Several players of age 33 and over (eg Scholes, Giggs, Ferdinand) who provide experience, know-how and a calming influence during title chases,
Several bright young talents (eg Jones, Smalling, De Gea) who can do a job in the present and are ready to build for future success,
And the rest are players hitting their peak (age 25-30) who provide the main thrust of a title challenge (eg Rooney, Valencia, Vidic)
The system is good because it gives a squad a wide variety of tools for success in the present and the future, and it makes sure there are generally two decent players in every position. Even the not so good ones can do a job (eg Hernandez, who is not a very good footballer, at least has good movement which allows him to score his goals.) Compare and contrast to Arsenal, who often have good footballers who are nevertheless innefectual.
However I do think its slightly arrogant of United fans to claim only RVP would get in their team. Sagna would walk in there with RVP, and Szczesny, Koscielny, song, Arteta and Wilshere would have decent claims as well.
Anyway, I hope you like my analysis, I may repost it tomorrow so it gets more readers (I'm not an attention seeker, this article took quite a lot of effort.)
Manchester United
posted on 9/4/12
Amazing thread full of non arguments. Who cares which players would walk into whose side. Take a look at the table and the two games where we've pulled your pants down again.
-----------------------
Forums wouldn't exist if it wasn't for these sort of discussions.
posted on 9/4/12
But surely you don't think Ferdinand will play a big role next year, do you?
He's being offered a new contract and Fergie has said Rio is part of his future plans.
posted on 9/4/12
By 'big role,' I mean playing at least 30 games.
Would you rather have him alongside Vidic next year, or Evans?
posted on 9/4/12
Amazing thread full of non arguments. Who cares which players would walk into whose side. Take a look at the table and the two games where we've pulled your pants down again.
-----------------------
Forums wouldn't exist if it wasn't for these sort discussions
---------------------
<slappyheadthingy> yes there would, there just wouldn't be as many thirteen year old virgins shouting about their teams.
posted on 9/4/12
I think next season Ferdinand will be on the bench at most and more of a squad player, Smalling and Jones will need to step up next season if they want to fight for the CB places because Evans has impressed so much this year. But SAF always has a few old players because their experience counts in games and it generally lifts the dressing room too.
posted on 9/4/12
That's a shame you had to post that.
I'm embarrassed for you.
posted on 9/4/12
Seriously, it's been done a million times, mainly by Arsenal fans, so-and-so's vastly superior to his United counterpart. Then the Hernandez thing you've all got, what's that all about?
posted on 9/4/12
I agree with you, 100 per cent Manchester, You have a very valid point... good article.
posted on 9/4/12
The system involves:
Several players of age 33 and over (eg Scholes, Giggs, Ferdinand) who provide experience, know-how and a calming influence during title chases,
------------------------------------
OP, has SAF always done this though? or is it just that he has exceptional older players and cannot find adquate replacements for them
Who were the 33+ year olds in previous teams?
posted on 9/4/12
comment by FSB (U11355)
----------------
Van Der Sar was never under 33 when he played for United. Giggs, Scholes, Solskjaer, Sheringham, Keane and Neville all played/playing well into their 30s.
Where do you find an adequate replacement for Scholes when he has a game like he did yesterday? There aren't many.