There was a time not so long ago that United season tickets were cherished family heirlooms. The tickets were passed through the generations from father to son or else to friends of the family. Back then securing a season ticket, even one on loan, was nigh on impossible, because they were as rare as hens teeth.
At that time United knew full well that among the list of season ticket holders were the names of several thousand dead men - these former supporters might well have gone on to a higher place but their cherished season tickets still bore the name of the deceased; it was for this reason United offered a ticket amnesty to those in possession of what used to be regarded by the holder as their most prized asset.
These were the days when being a Manchester United season ticket holder actually meant something - for one thing, you knew that if the Reds were lucky enough to reach a final at Wembley then in all probability you'd be there. There used to be three classes of United supporter: Season Ticket holders, League Match Ticket Book holders (LMTBs) and then we had your casual day-tripper or JCL (Johnny Come Lately).
Well, the Glazers' have completely ruined all of that and now anyone can get a season ticket, the demand that has gone. United are in a sorry mess where its finances are concerned. Instead of shopping with the big boys in the transfer market, Ferguson is left scratching around for bargains (Michael Owen) and promising youngsters - but in fairness the United manager is doing a remarkable job. But with little or no money to spend on new players, it's fair to ask how much longer can the United manager keep the club at the top? Ferguson is akin to an engineer who is being told by his employers to work without oil - sooner or later the engine will fail - it's a question of when and not if.
While Ferguson is still rightly held with the highest regard by the fans' for his work, many have decided enough is enough. Last season the supporters launched the quite brilliant Green and Gold campaign and we've seen the results this July when United announced they couldn't sell all their season tickets. At that point it became clear the club's much talked about season ticket waiting list had vaporised. The existence of such a list isn't really in doubt, but its worth has been brought into serious question. The waiting list has been used as a tool to put the frighteners on fans who might have been wavering on whether or not to renew their season ticket, but from now on chances are, the so called waiting list will be completely ignored by such fans.
Read all about the club's unprecedented attempts to sell its tickets.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Ferguson doffs his cap to Glazer (again) and effectively says £700m debt is nothing to worry about..
It was always going to happen at some point during United's mini Tour of North America: Ferguson was going to be asked about the Glazer family, and like a well trained lap-dog, the United manager did not disappoint his owners. It isn't really big news, because every time Ferguson has publicly spoken about the Glazer family he has backed the club's owners. It was a set-piece question and the answer was predictable.
Fergie didn't exactly say the owners huge debts are not a problem for United; instead he skirted round the issue when appearing to suggest it is the norm for owners of big football clubs to run up massive debts.
Now is not the time to judge the Glazer family, that day will come in time when the full story unfolds; no one, not even our illustrious leader can know what damage could be done to United's long-term future because of these debts.
While we do not know what the future holds in relation to the club's finances, on the football field we the fans' can judge Fergie and his squad at the end of the season. Only then we will know if the lack of transfer activity at United this summer was the right course of action, but on this point we might well be blaming the Glazer family and Fergie because he says he's never been refused when he's asked for money for new players.
Fergie didn't exactly say the owners huge debts are not a problem for United; instead he skirted round the issue when appearing to suggest it is the norm for owners of big football clubs to run up massive debts.
Now is not the time to judge the Glazer family, that day will come in time when the full story unfolds; no one, not even our illustrious leader can know what damage could be done to United's long-term future because of these debts.
While we do not know what the future holds in relation to the club's finances, on the football field we the fans' can judge Fergie and his squad at the end of the season. Only then we will know if the lack of transfer activity at United this summer was the right course of action, but on this point we might well be blaming the Glazer family and Fergie because he says he's never been refused when he's asked for money for new players.
All-Stars v United highlights: Goals give fans' growing confidence about young guns...
Well, after losing somewhat controversially against Kansas City Wizards earlier this week United have bounced back in fine style when trouncing the MLS All-Stars by winning 5-2 in Houston last night. The result is a good one, because no one likes losing and no matter if this is just another meaningless pre-season friendly; players need confidence and looking ahead to the Premier League season this is exactly the level of performance we fans' expect from United.
Going into the All-Stars game, Ferguson had insisted this was by far the most difficult looking fixture of the summer tour, but as things turned out it was a rout.
United raced into a first-half two-nil lead thanks to the sharpness of Kiko Macheda. The Italian's first goal saw the young striker latching on to a poor All-Stars pass and following an incisive run at the heart of the All-stars defence, the United striker finished coolly from just inside the box.
Macheda's second goal came about from a Nani corner from the left and once again there was a lapse of concentration in the All-Stars rear guard as the Italian was left unmarked inside the penalty area; but, take nothing away from Macheda whose quick movement in the box enabled him to divert the ball into the corner of the rigging with a well headed effort.
United were not having it all their own way though and Edwin Van der Sar had to be at his best when making several good saves to deny the All-Stars. Former Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel took the eye and caused United's defence problems throughout.
Obertan picked up an injury and was replaced by Cleverley on just 23 minutes; going into the game there was injury fears concerning Darren Fletcher, but the Scot started alongside John O'Shea in central midfield.
The second-half started brightly when the All-Stars nearly opened their account and only another fine stop from United's Dutch 'keeper denied Marshall's point blank header.
Rafael went close following a trademark run but his finish was disappointing. The MLS finally got the goal they'd deserved following another lapse in concentration, this time by Darren Fletcher who was beaten too easily when failing to track his man inside the box as Brian Ching headed home.
On 70 minutes Darron Gibson scored with an impressive 25-yard curling effort over the All-Stars defensive wall that gave Rimando no chance. United fans will be hoping to see a lot more of those from the Ulsterman should he be given the opportunity this season.
Just a few minutes later, Tom Cleverley scored undoubtedly the goal of the game with a brilliant piece of skill from just inside the All-Stars penalty area; the move started when Darron Gibson collected the ball just outside the All-Stars box then he passed it to Fletcher who in turn played it over the top first time - what followed was reminiscent of Paul Gascoigne at his very best - Cleverley controlled the ball with his first touch and at the same time he turned away from a defender and with his second touch he coolly slotted it over Rimando's legs into the corner - it was simply quite brilliant.
United's new Mexican striker Chicharito wasn't to be out done and he got his name on the score-sheet on his debut when making it 5-1 with a well taken effort that looked suspiciously offside.
Dwayne De Rosario scored a late consolation goal to make it 5-2 on what was a very entertaining night. While the goals were great, Ferguson will be concerned about some of United's defending which will have to improve greatly based on what we've seen on this tour. On the positive side, the manager will be absolutely delighted with the performance of his young players against the All-Stars.
Match Facts:
Attendance:70728 - A record for a "soccer" fixture.
Venue: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas.
United: Van der Sar; Rafael, Brown, J.Evans, Fabio (Scholes 72); Obertan (Cleverley 23), Fletcher, O'Shea, Giggs (Gibson 52), Nani (Chicharito 62); Macheda (Welbeck 62). Subs not used: Amos, Kuszczak, Berbatov, De Laet, Diouf, C.Evans, Smalling. Booked: J.Evans
MLS All-Stars (4-1-4-1): Ricketts (Rimando, ht); Alston (De Rosario, ht), Olave (Gonzalez, ht), Marshall (Conde, 63), Pearce (Donovan, 74); Joseph (Davis, 74); Le Toux (Convey, ht), Morales (Moreno, 63), Schelotto (Ferreira, ht), Pappa (Larentowicz, ht); Angel (Ching, ht).
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
25-man-squad rule influencing veterans' retirement plans at Old Trafford?
The Premier League's new 25-man squad rule comes into play in the 2010/2011 season and let's be honest until now we haven't given it much thought; but we can be fairly certain it has given Ferguson a lot to think about.
The new rules mean that clubs have to submit their final 25-man squad list at the end of each transfer window; the first list has to be in by September 1st, 2010. Changes can only be made during the transfer window.
The new rules also stipulate that no less than eight players' have to have been registered with the club for three years prior to their 21st birthday.
We have created a colour-coded overview of the existing United squad, which shows player registration dates and their dates of birth.
Having looked at the current year and beyond, it looks like United will have problems over the next few seasons in relation to the eight players under 21 criterion.
Having studied the overall picture, you have to wonder if the new rules have had any bearing on Ferguson's decision to persuade veteran stars like Scholes and Neville to play on for at least one more season. Giggsy is a slightly different case given he was the most consistent of the home grown trio last season and so he was always going to continue.
Fergie has to omit 16 names from the list below and there's a suggestion Owen Hargreaves and Anderson could be left out of United's initial 25-man list due to injury.
Key: Eight players' under age of 21 rule;
Names in Red or Orange will never qualify for the Under 21 rule.
Names in Green qualify.
Names in Blue will qualify - providing they stay with United.
The new rules mean that clubs have to submit their final 25-man squad list at the end of each transfer window; the first list has to be in by September 1st, 2010. Changes can only be made during the transfer window.
The new rules also stipulate that no less than eight players' have to have been registered with the club for three years prior to their 21st birthday.
We have created a colour-coded overview of the existing United squad, which shows player registration dates and their dates of birth.
Having looked at the current year and beyond, it looks like United will have problems over the next few seasons in relation to the eight players under 21 criterion.
Having studied the overall picture, you have to wonder if the new rules have had any bearing on Ferguson's decision to persuade veteran stars like Scholes and Neville to play on for at least one more season. Giggsy is a slightly different case given he was the most consistent of the home grown trio last season and so he was always going to continue.
Fergie has to omit 16 names from the list below and there's a suggestion Owen Hargreaves and Anderson could be left out of United's initial 25-man list due to injury.
Name | Date signed | Date of birth |
| 1. Amos | 01/08/2008 | 10/04/1990 |
| 2. Anderson | 02/07/2007 | 13/04/1988 |
| 3. Berbatov | 01/09/2008 | 30/01/1981 |
| 4. Brown | 01/08/1996 | 13/10/1979 |
| 5. Carrick | 31/07/2006 | 28/07/1981 |
| 6. Cathcart | 01/08/2006 | 06/02/1989 |
| 7. Chester | 01/07/2008 | 23/01/1989 |
| 8. Cleverley | 01/08/2008 | 12/08/1989 |
| 9. de Laet | 08/01/2009 | 28/11/1988 |
| 10. Drinkwater | 01/07/2008 | 05/03/1990 |
| 11. Eikrem | 01/07/2009 | 08/08/1990 |
| 12. Evans. J | 01/07/2006 | 03/01/1987 |
| 13. Evans. C | 01/07/2008 | 30/07/1990 |
| 14. Evra | 10/01/2006 | 15/05/1981 |
| 15. Fabio da Silva | 01/07/2008 | 09/07/1990 |
| 16. Ferdinand | 22/07/2002 | 07/11/1978 |
| 17. Fletcher | 01/08/2000 | 01/02/1984 |
| 18. Gibson | 26/10/2005 | 25/10/1987 |
| 19. Giggs | 01/12/1990 | 29/11/1973 |
| 20. Gill | 01/07/2009 | 15/09/1990 |
| 21. Hargreaves | 01/07/2007 | 20/01/1981 |
| 22. Hernandez | 01/07/2010 | 01/06/1988 |
| 23. Ji Sung Park | 05/07/2005 | 25/02/1981 |
| 24. King | 01/07/2009 | 15/01/1992 |
| 25. Kuszczak | 02/07/2007 | 20/03/1982 |
| 26. Macheda | 01/09/2007 | 22/08/1991 |
| 27. Nani | 02/07/2007 | 17/11/1986 |
| 28. Neville | 29/01/1993 | 18/02/1975 |
| 29. O'Shea | 01/08/1999 | 30/04/1981 |
| 30. Obertan | 08/07/2009 | 26/02/1989 |
| 31. Owen | 03/07/2009 | 14/12/1979 |
| 32. Possebon | 01/07/2008 | 13/02/1989 |
| 33. Rafael da Silva | 01/07/2008 | 09/07/1990 |
| 34. Rooney | 31/08/2004 | 24/10/1985 |
| 35. Scholes | 29/01/1993 | 16/11/1974 |
| 36. Smalling | 01/07/2010 | 22/11/1989 |
| 37. Stewart | 01/07/2009 | 08/04/1991 |
| 38. Valencia | 30/06/2009 | 04/08/1985 |
| 39. Van der Sar | 01/06/2005 | 29/10/1970 |
| 40. Vidic | 04/01/2006 | 21/10/1981 |
| 41. Welbeck | 01/07/2007 | 26/11/1990 |
Key: Eight players' under age of 21 rule;
Names in Red or Orange will never qualify for the Under 21 rule.
Names in Green qualify.
Names in Blue will qualify - providing they stay with United.
Monday, July 26, 2010
'Transfer target' turns down United in preference to City?
According to reports in Italy, Mario Balotelli is on the verge of joining rivals Manchester City. The Inter Milan star will join City for an initial fee of £24million.
Balotelli has been linked to several Premier League clubs over the last few weeks and the Italian media are claming the player turned down United whose financial terms were said to be higher.
If the deal goes through Balotelli will be linking up with his former manager Roberto Mancini.
Full story
Balotelli has been linked to several Premier League clubs over the last few weeks and the Italian media are claming the player turned down United whose financial terms were said to be higher.
If the deal goes through Balotelli will be linking up with his former manager Roberto Mancini.
Full story
Kansas City Wizards give Man United Lite bloody nose...
Oh dear, it's all going horribly wrong on the club's US tour - mighty Manchester United have been humbled by the 10 men of Kansas City Wizards. It was only a few days ago that recently formed Philadelphia Union nearly caused an upset - that potentially mini disaster was averted thanks to Gabriel Obertan who scored the only goal of that game. United were not so lucky last night against Kansas City Wizards as they went on to lose by the odd goal in three.
It was only a week ago that Ferguson was claiming his squad was ready for the big kick-off when praising his youngsters 'who've all gained more experience in the past 12 months', however, just a few days later and following this somewhat embarrassing reverse the manager appeared to blame the defeat on the lack of experience in the back-four "I thought the inexperience of the defenders showed in the first 15 minutes". Ferguson told reporters.
There will be those who will tell you this result does not matter and it doesn't in the big scheme of things; pre-season games are used to bed-in new players as well as providing the manager with an opportunity to give the squad valuable game time. Ferguson will hopefully have learnt a thing or two about some of those who featured and it is to be hoped the manager's confidence in these young players is not misplaced.
All credit to Kansas City Wizards - they turned up and did their bit and with only 10 men. The result is a very good one for the MLS, but it's questionable if it means anything at all to United; whether or not alarms should be ringing about the genuine depth of quality in the squad is a moot point.
The sordid details, aka match stats:
Goals:
Davy Arnaud (11), Berbatov (41, penalty), Kei Kamara (42)
Attendance: 52,000
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas
Sent off: Jimmy Conrad
Booked: Gibson, Giggs
United: Amos; Rafael, Smalling, J.Evans, De Laet (Fabio 76); Nani (Obertan 69), Scholes, Gibson (Cleverley 69), Giggs; Berbatov (Welbeck 76), Diouf (Macheda 69). Subs not used: Van der Sar, Brown, C.Evans. Booked: Giggs, Gibson
It was only a week ago that Ferguson was claiming his squad was ready for the big kick-off when praising his youngsters 'who've all gained more experience in the past 12 months', however, just a few days later and following this somewhat embarrassing reverse the manager appeared to blame the defeat on the lack of experience in the back-four "I thought the inexperience of the defenders showed in the first 15 minutes". Ferguson told reporters.
There will be those who will tell you this result does not matter and it doesn't in the big scheme of things; pre-season games are used to bed-in new players as well as providing the manager with an opportunity to give the squad valuable game time. Ferguson will hopefully have learnt a thing or two about some of those who featured and it is to be hoped the manager's confidence in these young players is not misplaced.
All credit to Kansas City Wizards - they turned up and did their bit and with only 10 men. The result is a very good one for the MLS, but it's questionable if it means anything at all to United; whether or not alarms should be ringing about the genuine depth of quality in the squad is a moot point.
The sordid details, aka match stats:
Goals:
Davy Arnaud (11), Berbatov (41, penalty), Kei Kamara (42)
Attendance: 52,000
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas
Sent off: Jimmy Conrad
Booked: Gibson, Giggs
United: Amos; Rafael, Smalling, J.Evans, De Laet (Fabio 76); Nani (Obertan 69), Scholes, Gibson (Cleverley 69), Giggs; Berbatov (Welbeck 76), Diouf (Macheda 69). Subs not used: Van der Sar, Brown, C.Evans. Booked: Giggs, Gibson
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Two reasons why United fans should be cheerful.....
Good news at last, according to David Gill (aka Pinocchio), Nemanja Vidic has shaken hands on a new deal. The big Serbian defender has yet to confirm this news and so if true, it will hopefully end the speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid or worse still Man City. According to United's official website, the new deal was agreed three to four weeks ago - which begs the question: if that is so, why wait until now to release this news?
There's more good news to report relating to David Gill, the United CEO recently told the media season ticket sales were on track - not so, because the club has announced tickets are on general sale for the first home game of the season - which means you do not have to be a season ticket holder to watch the Newcastle United game at Old Trafford on August 16th. Reports suggest season ticket sales could be down by between 5,000 and 10,000.
It is the first time this has happened since matches became all ticket affairs at Old Trafford - it is very big news. However, the move will almost certainly ensure it is a full-house.
Nonetheless, this is a very significant step in the right direction on a number of levels.
Firstly, the fans' Green and Gold campaign is definitely working, no matter what the likes of Gill or anyone else says about the current economic climate.
It is the first real concrete sign that season-ticket holders are voting with their feet and by default it is a rejection of the Glazers'. As we saw last season the majority of home fans' who visited Old Trafford are very unhappy with the owners.
The club's mythical 60,000 waiting list for season tickets has been exposed for what it is, a totally worthless piece of fiction.
Many supporters would like to see a return to pay on the day, whether that will ever happen is actually doubtful, but still some of us old-timers live in hope.
There's more good news to report relating to David Gill, the United CEO recently told the media season ticket sales were on track - not so, because the club has announced tickets are on general sale for the first home game of the season - which means you do not have to be a season ticket holder to watch the Newcastle United game at Old Trafford on August 16th. Reports suggest season ticket sales could be down by between 5,000 and 10,000.
It is the first time this has happened since matches became all ticket affairs at Old Trafford - it is very big news. However, the move will almost certainly ensure it is a full-house.
Nonetheless, this is a very significant step in the right direction on a number of levels.
Firstly, the fans' Green and Gold campaign is definitely working, no matter what the likes of Gill or anyone else says about the current economic climate.
It is the first real concrete sign that season-ticket holders are voting with their feet and by default it is a rejection of the Glazers'. As we saw last season the majority of home fans' who visited Old Trafford are very unhappy with the owners.
The club's mythical 60,000 waiting list for season tickets has been exposed for what it is, a totally worthless piece of fiction.
Many supporters would like to see a return to pay on the day, whether that will ever happen is actually doubtful, but still some of us old-timers live in hope.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Is Ferguson really in the dark over big money move?
United are midway through the US tour and Ferguson has been speaking to the press in response to questions about the future of his star defender Nemanja Vidic. The Serbian has been constantly linked with Real Madrid over the last few weeks. Reports recently claimed that Vidic's agent had been told not to speak to anyone about the impending move - since then, it has gone quiet - but nonetheless, it seems likely the player will be joining Jose Mourinho at his new club - it is thought to be a case of when and not if.
Ferguson didn't speak at length, but he did respond to questions about Vidic's future when admitting he could offer no guarantees "I can't clarify it at all," said the United manager.
Asked if Vidic will still be a Manchester United player next season Fergie added "I believe so".
It is inconceivable that Ferguson does not know what is happening regarding Vidic's future, however, the very fact that the manager responded to questions could be viewed as encouraging amidst talk of a possible contract extension.
Vidic is every bit as important to United as Wayne Rooney - all successful teams have leaders down the spine of the side and there's no doubting the defender's importance in the back-four. It is therefore vital Vidic's future at the club is assured.
No matter if Real Madrid come knocking with £30m - United would not go out and replace the Serbian, like-for-like, because as we saw following the sale of Ronaldo, only a fraction of the Real Madrid money was used to strengthen the team.
United paid the price for not adding to the squad last season when going backwards when losing seven Premier League games, being dumped out of the FA Cup by a third division club and performing poorly in the latter stages of the Champions League.
As things stand and despite what Ferguson says, the decline is likely to continue and that is likely be the scenario even if Vidic stays because the manager needs to bring in more quality.
If Vidic leaves this summer, we could see United not qualifying for next season's Champions League. If anyone believes United will not be badly affected by the loss of Vidic they are kidding themselves and bluntly they do not appreciate Vidic's importance to the team.
Ferguson's problems are likely to be compounded the loss of Rio Ferdinand as his continued problems could well spell the end for the new England captain.
Many United fans will not be looking forward to the prospect of Ferguson relying on rookie defender Chris Smalling alongside Jonny Evans, but it is looking inreasingly likely that will be prove to be the case.
Ferguson missed out when not competing for the services of Simon Kjaer who has signed for Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg for just £10m - the same fee United shelled out to acquire Smalling. Steve McClaren had reportedly told his new employers "to do all they could" to bring the 21 year-old Danish International to the German club. Ferguson recently told the media that he'd bought at the right time - presumably in reference to the deals that saw Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling coming to United.
Given the choice though, surely many fans would have preferred United to have signed Kjaer who looked very useful during the World Cup. Having played in Serie A for Palermo and at the World Cup this summer, the Dane had more experience than Smalling, but like Smalling he too lacks the experience Ferguson usually looks for when recruiting central defenders.
It wasn't that long ago that Ferguson was preaching the virtues of signing central defenders who'd proven themselves and had learnt from making their mistakes along the way. In his autobiography "Alex Ferguson - Managing My Life", this is what Fergie had to say about Steve Bruce, his former captain "there is, no point in being effective at the front if you are rickety at the back... I would have to find a centre-back partnership that would turn out consistently, week after week.
"The number of games Bruce had played for Norwich City was greater than the aggregate appearances of Paul MgGrath and Kevin Moran combined. Far from being a risk, the big Geordie was a banker"...
Clearly, Ferguson shouldn't need to be reminded about the importance of harnessing experience and quality at the back in equal measure, but if Vidic leaves to join Real Madrid, United could well be rickety at the back...
Ferguson didn't speak at length, but he did respond to questions about Vidic's future when admitting he could offer no guarantees "I can't clarify it at all," said the United manager.
Asked if Vidic will still be a Manchester United player next season Fergie added "I believe so".
It is inconceivable that Ferguson does not know what is happening regarding Vidic's future, however, the very fact that the manager responded to questions could be viewed as encouraging amidst talk of a possible contract extension.
Vidic is every bit as important to United as Wayne Rooney - all successful teams have leaders down the spine of the side and there's no doubting the defender's importance in the back-four. It is therefore vital Vidic's future at the club is assured.
No matter if Real Madrid come knocking with £30m - United would not go out and replace the Serbian, like-for-like, because as we saw following the sale of Ronaldo, only a fraction of the Real Madrid money was used to strengthen the team.
United paid the price for not adding to the squad last season when going backwards when losing seven Premier League games, being dumped out of the FA Cup by a third division club and performing poorly in the latter stages of the Champions League.
As things stand and despite what Ferguson says, the decline is likely to continue and that is likely be the scenario even if Vidic stays because the manager needs to bring in more quality.
If Vidic leaves this summer, we could see United not qualifying for next season's Champions League. If anyone believes United will not be badly affected by the loss of Vidic they are kidding themselves and bluntly they do not appreciate Vidic's importance to the team.
Ferguson's problems are likely to be compounded the loss of Rio Ferdinand as his continued problems could well spell the end for the new England captain.
Many United fans will not be looking forward to the prospect of Ferguson relying on rookie defender Chris Smalling alongside Jonny Evans, but it is looking inreasingly likely that will be prove to be the case.
Ferguson missed out when not competing for the services of Simon Kjaer who has signed for Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg for just £10m - the same fee United shelled out to acquire Smalling. Steve McClaren had reportedly told his new employers "to do all they could" to bring the 21 year-old Danish International to the German club. Ferguson recently told the media that he'd bought at the right time - presumably in reference to the deals that saw Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling coming to United.
Given the choice though, surely many fans would have preferred United to have signed Kjaer who looked very useful during the World Cup. Having played in Serie A for Palermo and at the World Cup this summer, the Dane had more experience than Smalling, but like Smalling he too lacks the experience Ferguson usually looks for when recruiting central defenders.
It wasn't that long ago that Ferguson was preaching the virtues of signing central defenders who'd proven themselves and had learnt from making their mistakes along the way. In his autobiography "Alex Ferguson - Managing My Life", this is what Fergie had to say about Steve Bruce, his former captain "there is, no point in being effective at the front if you are rickety at the back... I would have to find a centre-back partnership that would turn out consistently, week after week.
"The number of games Bruce had played for Norwich City was greater than the aggregate appearances of Paul MgGrath and Kevin Moran combined. Far from being a risk, the big Geordie was a banker"...
Clearly, Ferguson shouldn't need to be reminded about the importance of harnessing experience and quality at the back in equal measure, but if Vidic leaves to join Real Madrid, United could well be rickety at the back...
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