Manchester United Blog: Stretford End Arising

One more season for Golden Oldies?

In a recent interview with the Manchester Evening News, Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated the 2010/11 season may be the final one for the golden oldies of Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes. All three have been wonderful servants to Manchester United; they will be discussed in the same breath as George Best and Bobby Charlton. We have all shared special moments with friends and family due to their exploits.

Perhaps a harsh view but for the greater good of Manchester United I hope we see less of Giggs, Scholes and Neville next season. If we are to see less of the trio it could mean two things. Younger and other players in the squad have found consistency and stepped up to the level required or their previously high standards have fallen. Obviously we hope the latter is not the case, would be an unpleasant experience to see the three legends struggle in their final season.

With perhaps the lack of financial power we may to have to over rely on developing younger players. There is a fear we may fall into the same trap as Arsenal, having several young and inexperienced players in the same team at once. My view is different; we have a better blend of younger and experienced players than Arsenal. We have several players in their mid twenties so when the trio retire we have readymade leaders in Rooney, Evra, Fletcher and perhaps even Nani. Arsenal’s real problem a lack of leaders..?

Am I worried about their retirement? Yes of course but great players come and go from United. Like for like replacements may not be found but the team alters to suit the players in squad or new arrivals. Manchester United will always move forward.

This is what Sir Alex Ferguson said to the Manchester Evening News:

“Neville, Scholes and Giggs have become very important but this could be their last year. You cannot guarantee at their age they will carry on much longer. But at the moment their experience combined with the young players coming through who are playing on a regular basis it is a good mixture. The younger ones will benefit from that and in two or three years become your regular players.”

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Tags: Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Sir Alex Ferguson