Ferguson's Finest Squad? I Think Not.

Sir Alex Ferguson recently claimed that his current squad equals any in terms of ability during his time at the Manchester United helm and with good reason he may argue: United have an impressive 52 points from 21 games.

 

Ferguson's declaration will give his side the confidence to go to the Bernabau and get a result. But  confidence can get you only so far sometimes. United's forwards have papered over the cracks this season and Ferguson must be sat at home wondering how his side are so far ahead of the pack, with his defence having taken more of a battering than Steve Bruce's nose. De Gea is on his way out according to the Daily Mirror, an ageing Ferdinand is out of contract in the summer and without Vidic for the majority of the campaign United's defence have conceded 28 goals already.

Hardly a shining resemblance of the stable back five made up by Schmeichal, Neville, Pallister, Bruce and Irwin in the 90s. It's hard to find support for Ferguson's claim when he frequently switches between his first choice goalkeeper and centre back pairing. And allowing James Collins two free headers should be a court marshal offence in itself. Roy Keane must have been wincing at United's defending and would be the first to line up with his rifle.
 

The old guard.

 

There is no doubt Ferguson's current crop is stronger than his teams of the early 2000s. The quality is more consistent across the board, you struggle to pick out a Djemba-Djemba and there's less of the expensive disappointments like Veron. Neither is there the arrival of players past their peak, Ferguson is placing faith in Phil Jones and Chris Smalling rather than outdated defenders such as Laurent Blanc. Even upfront, Van Persie is as lethal as Van Nistelrooy and Hernandez and Welbeck given time will match up to Yorke and Cole.
 

Eric Djemba-Djemba, named twice he was so good...

 

It's in midfield where the statement falls short. Giggs and Scholes are accomplished players but their peaks were in previous United teams. The players around them are a long way off world class. Valencia is a fantastic player, whose delivery is as appreciated as much as Beckham's was. But remove Valencia and you have a midfield struggling in creativity. Van Persie is everywhere for United, not least dropping deep on numerous occasions along with Rooney to start an attack. Carrick is decent at best whilst Anderson flatters to deceive.

Rotation is now commonplace in the United midfield because no one is making a position theirs. Giggs, albeit a legend and still able to perform at the highest level, should not be getting a look in even in dead rubber Champions League ties. That is if this side is Ferguson's strongest. If Carrick and Cleverley are off par Anderson can be called upon. But the more reliable fresh legs of Nicky Butt, for Keane or Scholes, was part of the reason United were able to romp to the treble in 1999. Darren Fletcher fulfils a similar role but has not been the same since his illness. Meanwhile Nani and Young's inconsistent form has left fans praying for the return of Ronaldo.
 

Tom Cleverley, a talented prospect.

 

 That said, this squad has easily enough potential to become one of United's greatest teams. Rafael is looking a more complete player this season and Jones and Smalling are technically sound stoppers with footballing brains similar to Pallister and Bruce. It remains to be seen whether Cleverley can reach the heights of Scholes, but once fit Kawaga will show his quality. Hernandez is Solskjaer all over and has more of a predatory instinct. Van Persie can lead this current squad on with his goals and creativity for at least three more years whilst hopefully spurring Rooney on.

'I knew I should have kept my mouth shut'.

 

It has been a comfortable ride thus far for United but don't be surprised if they falter again. The make up of Manchester City's squad is more suited now to the role once held by United, the late comers who hit form at the crucial time. If Vidic continues his spell on the sidelines, Van Persie joins him and Ferdinand is not offered a new contract, United's side will lack determined leaders to carry them over the line. Kompany, Toure and Tevez have the legs, fitness and tenacity to keep going until May. Madrid will be a massive test for this United team and one which on current watching they may well fail to pass.