After Manchester United set down a huge marker against Arsenal in their recent 8-2 victory, questions are being asked whether this new generation at Old Trafford now has the ability to go on and conquer Europe and win the Champions League?
There is little doubt that this is an impressive set of young players who have a bright future ahead of them and they certainly have the ability to claim United’s 20th league title this season, although their City rivals may have something to say on the matter.
What has impressed me most so far this season is this the strength of the squad Ferguson has built. In their recent trashing of Arsenal the side were missing the main defensive partnership of Ferdinand and Vidic, there was no place for Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Park or Valencia in the midfield and upfront, the superb Hernandez and last season’s top scorer Berbatov were left on the bench. With an average age of just 23 it is obvious that Ferguson has done a marvelous job putting together a new team but are they ready to challenge Barcelona for the Champions League this year?
This new crop of young footballers mixed with experienced players should help United progress to the final stages of the Champions League once again, but I just cannot see the current side getting past Barcelona unless Ferguson finds a way of competing against them.
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Ferguson’s new generation at Old Trafford is made up of recent young signings and players brought through their impressive youth system who have gained experience on loan at other Premier League clubs.
This youth mixed with experience has worked well for Ferguson in the past and he is obviously hoping that this team will be just as successful.
Why can’t United win the Champions League then? Well the same reason they didn’t last year, standing in their way are one of the greatest clubs sides ever to have existed in Barcelona. The bad news for United is that the Catalan side look an even better outfit this year after the summer arrivals of Fabregas, Sanchez and the emergence of Thiago adding to an already powerful team.
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In the final last year United were the better team for the first 20 minutes, hassling and chasing everything and making it difficult for Barca to play their game but then the Spanish champions took hold of the game and I think United lacked the sort of midfielder who could break up their play and then keep the ball. It was really disappointing to see a relatively inexperienced Barcelona defence untested, one shot on target all game says a lot. Unless Ferguson can find someone who can break up Barca’s majestic play it is unlikely they will be able to beat them again this year.
The Champions League looks a tougher prospect this year for all the teams involved as along with the usual challengers I think Manchester City will be a force in this season’s competition with the undoubted class they possess in their squad and it will be interesting to see how they get on in their debut campaign.
I believe that United will once again challenge for the top European honours this season but I think they will come up short as it will be difficult to topple such a strong Barcelona side that has only been improved this summer. The future may look very bright at Old Trafford but it could be one without the top European trophy with the Juggernaut that is Barcelona standing in their way.