Alex Ferguson's latest Manchester United starlets set to rule the Premier League
Posted Tuesday, August 09, 2011 by The Sun
Here's how Fergie's young dream team lines up in a 4-3-3 formation: David De Gea, Rafael, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Fabio, Nani, Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Javier Hernandez, Federico Macheda, and Danny Welbeck
HERE'S the new-generation Manchester United team ready to take the Premier League by storm — and it's enough to turn Wayne Rooney's new hair transplant grey!
Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson gave us a glimpse of the future at Wembley during Sunday's thrilling Community Shield triumph over noisy neighbours Manchester City.
He threw on youngsters such as Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck £#151; and they responded with a blistering display of ferocious pace and audacious talent.
Fergie has patiently introduced more and more young talent into his United team — and the 69-year-old maestro could now name a new-generation side that would be the envy of most Premier League teams. Like the one featured above.
Incredibly, every player is 24 or under — so there's no room for stalwarts like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic.
And England winger Ashley Young doesn't get a look-in either — at the age of 26.
But with players like Nani — the star of Sunday's Wembley masterclass — and Javier Hernandez to choose from, who needs the veterans?
Add to them young stars such as Chris Smalling, David de Gea and the Da Silva twins and United can suddenly field a fearsome team of starlets right now.
England new boys Cleverley and Welbeck are likely to be offered new deals to go along with their more regular roles this season.
Cleverley, 21, is currently on around £15,000 a week at Old Trafford and is hoping to double his money at least with a new contract.
Welbeck — who was on loan with Sunderland last season — has been in talks since he returned from Wearside as his current deal expires in two years' time.
This is not the first time Ferguson has built a dynasty, with the Beckham, Scholes, Giggs, Neville and Butt era part of Old Trafford legend.And current 'old-stager' Patrice Evra, 30 years old, agrees the new brigade are something to behold.
After Sunday's incredible 3-2 Wembley triumph against City, he said: "They were very good, all the young players.
"In pre-season they were fantastic and it's been great to welcome them into the team.
"They have to prove themselves and show they deserve to play for Man United. They are doing that and I am very happy with them.
"To bring players through is what we do here. Players like Tom Cleverley are the future.
"In order to win the league the boss is not afraid to give the young players a chance.
"He knows they can help us to win more titles. That's the Man United way. It's always been like that. The boss never waits or thinks it's too dangerous. He knows the right time to play these young players."
Evra believes there is more than a passing similarity between Cleverley — who was called up to the England squad yesterday — and the retired Paul Scholes.
The Frenchman said: "Tom is a fantastic player. I hope this season he will get a lot of opportunities.
"In America he played some amazing games, particularly against Barcelona. In the second half you saw that he is not afraid, he had a lot of energy and Man United need a player like this.
"He's a quiet lad, he's a bit like Scholesy in that way. He never talks much, he just does his job on the pitch. He's a very private guy."
Evra believes United's Wembley supershow has proved they will be the team to beat when the new season starts this weekend.
"We don't need to look at City or anyone else. If we want to retain our title we just have to play the Man United way and that's what we did in the Community Shield.
"I always say I respect every opponent, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool — anyone.
"But the most important team will be Manchester United. It will be us. If we play the way we can, we've shown everyone that we should win the title.
"We'll be difficult to beat. We don't worry about the rest of them, we only focus on Man United."
Photos
More»
De Bruyne's glamorous Wag stuns in low-cut dress
Tuesday April 23 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Coventry 3-3 Man Utd (2-4 pens)
Monday April 22 2024
Your Say