Tough Year Will Accentuate Youth Development
This has been a season of surprises, and there was another shock before we took on Leicester on Tuesday night.
It was a little bit of a surprise to learn that Roy Keane is to come out of international retirement. I know he always wanted to patch up his differences with his country, and this is the best way of doing it. I can understand that, but I think it may prove to be too many games – it’s not what we are looking for.
However, I suppose the key to all of this is that Roy is supported by his manager. Roy Keane has been terrific for Manchester United and if he wants to represent his country – let’s be honest, it’s what most people dream of doing – then this can only be good for him. It may have a positive effect in that, playing at the very highest level can sometimes keep you at the top for longer, but my only concern is the number of games he will be expected to play.
It wasn’t the greatest of spectacles, certainly not an enthralling football match against Leicester on Tuesday. But these games are all good for the likes of David Bellion, Fletcher, Ronaldo and Djemba-Djemba, who all played their part, to gather valuable Premiership experience.
If you can give younger players experience and still win the game, then it’s a very useful exercise.
It’s been a season where a lot of questions have been asked about United. And, you may think that the those circumstances are not the best environment for a developing young player. But, in two of our most promising young players, Darren Fletcher and Ronaldo, they have the strength of character to use the difficulties they have faced this season to their advantage. Both have matured so much this year, and I am sure that in the long-term this season will have a positive bearing on their careers.
Some players can be affected in a negative way by breaking into the side too early, it can become too much for them to deal with. But the manager has – once again – played it perfectly; leaving them out when they’ve needed a rest, putting them in at the right moment to get expereience. You’re inclined to play them all the time, especially when they play like Cristiano has recently, and like Darren did against Arsenal.
Another United youngster, David Bellion still needs to polish his game up a bit. He has tremendous pace, but sometimes he is too quick for the ball!
Ronaldo was exciting every time he received the ball – there is also a great deal of expectation whenever he is in possession. He’s one of those players that gives the fans a real buzz every time he gets the ball. He did that in his first game against Bolton, but he’s come on in leaps and bounds since then. When you watch him play, you can see that he is listening to the advice he is being given by the coaching staff. He’s got a great future ahead of him.
For me, though, Wes Brown again put in an outstanding display. I knew we just needed to be patient with him when he first came back. But, you can’t deny in his first few games following his comeback, he looked to have lost that something. He’s certainly regained it now. He’s had to deal with so much, so many injuries that would have perhaps stopped other players in their tracks.
Wes stood out like a beacon for me against Leicester. He’s 90% there for me.
The win, although not full of entertainment, puts us well within sight of Chelsea. We’re three points off them with a game in hand and still to play them. Obviously we have the FA Cup final to look forward to, but we still have plenty to play for in the league. Finishing in second place isn’t bad considering this season could be considered one of transition. Hopefully a strong finish will lead to the momentum running over into next season.
It’s always a difficult game against Chelsea especially at Old Trafford. To finish second would be a positive end to the season and I am sure that is what we are after.
< <<< et kerian atrrive en plus de ronaldo et fletcher .
mais ruud va t´il rester
