Man Utd Centurions Continue To Set Example To The Kids - European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) - Nairaland
Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) / Man Utd Centurions Continue To Set Example To The Kids (453 Views)
Man Utd Player 'Ryan Giggs' To Sue Twitter (and Possibly NL) For Exposing Him / Man Utd(1) Vs Liverpool(4) On Saturday 14th March / Chelsea's Quadruple Or Man Utd's Treble (2) (3) (4)
(1) (Reply)
| Man Utd Centurions Continue To Set Example To The Kids by ciphoenix: 7:15pm On Sep 15, 2012 |
Manchester United’s clash with Wigan at Old Trafford today was marked by three centurions reaching club landmarks. Paul Scholes played his 700th game for United, Rio Ferdinand his 400th while Ryan Giggs made his 600th appearance in the Premier League alone. For each player, it marked an astonishing feat of longevity that represents their status within the club and quality on the pitch despite their advancing years. Sir Alex Ferguson may know better than anyone how to move a squad forward, but he also recognises the value of a core group of players who know the club, know how to win and can impart their experience to younger players. "It’s a landmark for three key players which is an example for younger players of what can be achieved if you make sacrifices in the game of football," said Ferguson. "These players have had to do that — otherwise they would not have got to that stage. "It’s a great moment for them and hopefully they will be rewarded by a good victory." he said before the match. Let’s get it right, too. Ferguson is not sentimental, many players have come and gone while these three remain because they still have something to offer as United seek to regain the Premier League title this season. That was evident in the last fixture at Southampton, which Scholes dominated as a late second-half substitute as United secured a 3-2 victory thanks to Robin van Persie’s hat-trick. Despite scoring three goals, the Dutchman claimed that Scholes was the man-of-the-match because of the influence he had in central midfield, with the 37-year-old dictating the tempo of the game and demonstrating his full passing range. Equally, Giggs is no longer a swashbuckling blur of speed on the wing, but remains one of the most intelligent players around with his positional sense and eye for a pass in the final third. Most of all, these players know how to win. Scholes has to his name 10 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and two League Cups. Ferdinand, unlike the other two, joined United as an already established defender, costing £30 million when he signed from rivals Leeds in 2002. The 33-year-old is himself now a United great in his own right and still has much to offer, highlighted by his performances in the second half of last season, whatever England manager Roy Hodgson might have had to say about it. He has formed several formidable partnerships in central defence, whether alongside Nemanja Vidic or Jonny Evans, to provide a fitting response to criticism from Ferguson last year when the Scot said Ferdinand had lost his pace and would have to change his game. All three have had to overcome difficulty. Scholes had a serious eye problem and retired in 2011 before reversing his decision in January; Giggs spent a couple of seasons completely re-adjusting his game in his mid-30s while Ferdinand has had his own injury problems and, of course, a drugs ban in 2004. They continue to play at the highest level, proven by the fact they all featured as United took on Wigan. Ferguson is the ultimate squad builder and they will, eventually, make way for younger players who are being bedded into the squad But for the next eight months, at least, they form a crucial part of the United squad as Ferguson finds the right alchemy. Ferdinand can guide the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones; Scholes is the perfect master from which Tom Cleverley can learn; new signings like Shinji Kagawa can observe the professionalism and talent of Giggs. If they watch and learn, those youngsters could one day become centurions themselves. |
(1) (Reply)
Di Matteo Sacked / Chelsea Sack Di Matteo After Juventus Defeat / West Ham United Vs Chelsea Today 12:45pm
(Go Up)
| Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 19 |