Amid all the talk of Manchester United’s youth this season it is easy to be drawn into the hyperbole. Phil Jones cast as Duncan Edwards; Chris Smalling the new Rio Ferdinand; Tom Cleverley as Paul Scholes’ protegé. Yet below the layer of hype and over-expectation those cast into Sir Alex Ferguson’s first team have consistently performed this season.
Then there are the stars of last campaign’s FA Youth Cup winning side, in particular Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison and Ryan Tunnicliffe, of whom much is hoped in the coming years. United’s fixture with Leeds United in the Carling Cup on Tuesday offered a glimpse beyond the obvious, and confirmation that the Carrington well does indeed run deep.
In addition to French midfielder Pogba, who made his first team début as a second half substitute on Tuesday, a new star emerged as the Reds cruised to a comfortable win at Leeds United in the Carling Cup. Indeed, one man, defender Ezekiel Fryers, caught the eye with a performance of genuine composure that belied the 19-year-old’s immature status. Fryers, who has often appeared at left-back for United’s Academy and Reserve sides, commanded central defence alongside Michael Carrick. Fryers’ pace and distribution, although sometimes over-ambitious, offered a genuine touch of class that reserve and academy watchers will have recognised.
Fryers was a key member of the Academy side’s run in last season’s FA Youth Cup before injury robbed the defender of a place in the latter stages of the competition. But if personal disappointment market the end of a campaign, the 18-year-old has begun the new season in splendid form.
An England Under-19 international ‘Zeki’ has performed both in central defence and at left-back for United, with arguably even greater versatility with international age group teams. Indeed, the Manchester-born player has performed in a number of midfield positions at England Under-16, 17 and 19 levels.
But it is the youngster’s performance against Leeds – along with Pogba and fellow débutant Larnell Cole – that has brought Fryers to national attention, drawing praise from Ferguson in the process.
“I thought young Fryers did very well,” confirmed the United boss.
“He showed good composure, wasn’t fazed by it which is really good because you always want to see what their temperaments are like because the atmosphere here, as you know, is hostile and he coped with it very well. Paul got a good 45 and young Larnell Cole came on at the end – it’s good for them to get taste of the atmosphere and what the first team is like.”
Yet Fryers’ potential has long been recognised by Old Trafford insiders, with the teenager one of four name-checked by Rio Ferdinand – along with Josh McEachran, Ross Barkley and John Bostock – as England stars of the future. For now the youngster is simply enjoying the first step on what many hope is a long and successful United career.
“It was a massive night for me. It was quality and a massive step up, so I was happy to get 80 minutes in,” he told ManUtd.com.
“I had to come off with a bit of cramp so now it’s all about working hard with the reserves and getting fitter so that I’m ready for whenever these chances might come again. It was good to have Larnell and Pogba alongside me when they came on. We have been playing together for a long time, so this was massive for all of us.”
Meanwhile, the much-lauded Pogba enjoyed a 45 minute run out against Leeds, demonstrating the assurance on the ball that has become a hallmark of the teenager’s play. Yet there was also a conservatism in Pogba’s performance. Gone were the driving runs, long-range shots and silky skills that lit up United’s academy side last season. That matters little of course, with Ferguson keen to let the teenager develop both physically and mentally over the course of the season before allowing the Frenchman out on loan in 2012/13.
Cole’s talents are perhaps less obvious. The chalk-on-his-heels winger offers a genuine old-fashioned approach to the game, with real pace and balance. But the 18-year-old England Under-19 international’s rise has been steady, rather than spectacular, with reserves’ watchers noting the player’s growing consistency. And in the physically demanding English game Cole will suffer for his diminutive stature. Physical development is likely to hold the key to the Manchester-born midfielder’s destiny.
That is for the future. The right-now, flush in the glow of victory over local and often hated rivals, United supporters can feel confident that youth is not only leading the club to the top of this season’s Premier League table but those of the future too. It is the reason Manchester City is spending more than £100 million of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth on transforming run-down Clayton in order to catch up.
United: the next next generation
(60 posts) (15 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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RobDiablo
Member
Is Fryers a left-footed Left Back? If so, that would be great; I think it's time to start thinking about that position post-Evra, and I don't think that Fabio is the answer. With their injury record, it will take both of the twins to cover the Right Back position.
Posted 1 year ago # -
RobDiablo
Member
Posted by unregistered user: RobDiabloThe thing about United’s next next generation is that it will be built around Wayne Rooney, and, as he is much better suited to playing behind a strike partner than he is to playing as a lone striker, it follows that a 4-4-1-1 will, ultimately, be United’s ideal formation in both the Premiership and Champions League. Unfortunately, that formation utilizes only two central midfielders, and United do not currently have two players good enough to take on those roles against top domestic and European opponents. So, in the short term, domestic honors remain a possibility – though, increasingly difficult to win, but a European championship is out of the question.
In my opinion, United ought to identify two, young, can’t miss (as much as anyone can predict these things) midfield talents and buy them in the January transfer window. The fact that they will almost certainly be cup-tied is not a consideration; it might even help to keep the prices down, but it is important to buy them now before their performances in Euro 2012 drive up the prices and bring them to the attention of City and Cheatski. Finance the purchases by selling Berbatov, Macheda, PIG, Gibson, and two or three from Carrick, Park, Anderson, and Fletcher. Supplement with money from the IPO if necessary.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Wil
Member Posted by unregistered user: WilWhat an irony….! The Carling Cup used to be played by 90% young players with one or two experienced ones but on Tuesday it was 90% experienced players with one or two young ones! How Fergie changed the concept!
Interesting to see Fryers play Central Defense but in Manutd.com he was described as a left back. Absolutely agree with RobDiablo that we need a cover for left back as so far the Da Silva brothers haven’t impressed as left back. I’m backing Da Silva to play more games though and they may change my opinion if they can play left back with more consistency. Right back is definitely not an issue for Da Silva’s.
Once again, cannot agree more that we need a BETTER midfield player. Chelsea killed us in midfield last Sunday and pressed us in our half just like the way Barcelona plays. If Torres was in form, we would have lost.
However, I’m not sure if we should buy young-potential midfielders. We have quite a lot of them ourselves, Cleverley, Pogba, Morrison and Tunniclife! If we buy a midfield, please let it be a proven experience player. Sneijder or Swensteiger are my preference. I know some fans still think Fletcher is poor but if he finds his 2007-09 form, I believe we are good enough to challenge domestically and in Europe!
Posted 1 year ago # -
RobDiablo
Member Posted by unregistered user: RobDiabloSweinsteiger I’d buy, but not Sneijder (too expensive, too much damage to United’s wage structure). The midfielders I like to see brought in would cost around £60-70M for both, so they’d be more than young prospects; hopefully, they’d be good enough to allow Giggs to retire and Anderson, Carrick, and Park to be sold. Then, they wouldn’t be blocking the rise of United’s four prospects, they’d be creating a competition for places. Let’s face it, what is the likelihood of all four turning out to be the next Paul Scholes or Roy Keane?
Two other benefits: snuffing out the threat from City before it can get going and leaving United with very little to do in the next three or four transfer windows except keep an eye open for speedy left-footed players – backup for Young and a replacement for Evra; United would already be set for strikers, wingers, midfielders, centre-backs, and keepers for some years to come.
Posted 1 year ago # -
squigs
Member
After every win, people are calling for more players to be bought,
This season we have actually shown squad depth and young players such as Cleverley have been mightily impressive once they have been given the chance.
We have young midfield talents, Pogba is going to be an excellent player, and Ravel Morrison if he can get his head right is the finest player we have probably developed in the last 20 years (He is that good).
We have spent £50 million and the squad is already so much better then last season. We are fine.
Posted 1 year ago # -
captainhormone
Moderator
NO WE ARE NOT sq...FOR THE MOST PART I AGREE...UP FRONT, DEFENCE AND GOALIE WE ARE GOOD...VERY HAPPY... BUT MIDFIELD WE CLEARLY AINT....
the lads talked about aint ready yet Sq....so a bit of experience for 3 years or so will do just nicely, as in that time the liklihood is Giggs, Carrick etc will be gone too
LKHM
HoofingPosted 1 year ago # -
RobDiablo
Member Posted by unregistered user: RobDiabloPerhaps because that last win (against Cheatski) could so easily have been a loss. If, in a month’s time, Rio and Vidic are still out, and United’s midfield is as porous as it was against Cheatski, Nasri, Villa, Dzeko, and Aguero will make life hell for De Gea, Evans, and Jones. City could easily score five or six goals.
United have already ceased to be a real threat for the UCL title; it has taken very favorable draws in the knockout stages to advance as far as they did last year; now, they are in danger of falling into third place in the EPL.
Posted 1 year ago # -
squigs
Member captainhormone said:
NO WE ARE NOT sq...FOR THE MOST PART I AGREE...UP FRONT, DEFENCE AND GOALIE WE ARE GOOD...VERY HAPPY... BUT MIDFIELD WE CLEARLY AINT....the lads talked about aint ready yet Sq....so a bit of experience for 3 years or so will do just nicely, as in that time the liklihood is Giggs, Carrick etc will be gone too
Cap
If we signed two £30 million midfielders as people are saying these boys wouldn't get a kick in 10 years never mind 3 years. It won't be 3 years either, if Morrison could get his head in the right place he could play tomorrow. He is every bit as good as Wilshire.
1 okayish holding midfielder would be all we need tops. I'm happy with the likes of Cleverley.
RodDiablo 'United have already ceased to be a real threat for the UCL title; it has taken very favorable draws in the knockout stages to advance as far as they did last year; now, they are in danger of falling into third place in the EPL.'
You think we are in danger of finishing 3rd in the league. There is a glass half empty mentality and their is just stupidity. We have made an unbelievable start and are playing some of the best football we have seen from United in about 10 years. I'll put money on it that we walk the premier league this season. 8-10 pts at least. City will implode around Winter and Chelsea probably aren't going to stay the course. We have got to three of the last european cup finals, it's an incredible record.
Posted 1 year ago # -
baloo
Member
uncleknobheadforfucksake said:
we've conceeded the most shots on goal of any team in the leagueTBF that's one of those stats that shows how stats alone don't tell you anything. The reason for the large number of 'shots' was that opposition managers at the start of the season clearly sent their players out to 'test' De Gea's supposed weakness to the long range shot after the Charity Shield. They were taking ridiculous pot shots from everywhere.
I suspect that for most of those shots there will have been a solid defensive configuration in front of the striker of the ball that wouldn't particularly have benefited from a DM at all.
It could also be that when you've conceded 3, 5 or 8 goals you shoot out of desperation.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I agree with Baloo - I suspect the reason we have conceded the most shots is because teams have clearly been instructed by their managers to shoot from anywhere....
Bwahaha!
Seriously I'd be happy for that to continue all season long. The only team with what I might consider to be a substantial threat from range would be the Bitters - with Aguero, Nasri, Silva, Tevez... et al they can shoot accurately from range, though I should hope De Gea will improve every day, and every game, and hence I'd let them do it.
Seriously, if a team is convinced that they believe hollywood shooting from 25+ yards and conceding possession is the way to beat this current Manchester United side, then brilliant. I'll watch them pepper the side lines, corner flags, all over other than the goal, all season, giving us possession back with a keeper with very good distribution and a midfield built to counter attack and counter quickly.
Magical
Posted 1 year ago # -
sidney
Member
uncleknobheadforfucksake said:
we've conceeded the most shots on goal of any team in the leagueSome of that is to do with De Gea's fuck ups. They spotted a weakness after the City game and have been peppering the goal with shots from distance in the hope he'll make another mistake
But yeah, Ando and Fletch both committed against Chelsea leaving us totally exposed. Like Fergie said, at times we had no midfield
Dare I say it might be better to have Carrick sit in front of the defence so the rest can go off and play. He's the best we have in that position, when he moves.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Damian Garside
Member Posted by unregistered user: Damian Garside (URL)We will never be `fine’ if City are better. Could you really accept it if City win a major trophy this season and we don’t? We are strong everywhere except central midfield. And as you know, a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link: and here where we are weakest is perhaps where City are perhaps strongest, though in attack, with Aguero they have a player who, hiting the ground running like few players new to the Premier League has shown the ability to destroy the opposition, perhaps on his day being totally unplayable. United fans who think that City cannot win anything especially anything as big as the CL, because it is not in their nature (as `Ciddy’) to do so have to realise that their facile delusion-ridden thinking doesn’t help.
Posted 1 year ago # -
chocolatteballs
Member
We could always russel up any sort of pick 'n mix team in any premier or league cup match.
Our midfield is horribly exposed in europe where the tactic of getting the ball wide for 90mins isn't even possible.
A go-to man linking defence to mid to attack ala wilshire.
Wilshire shits all over carrick. Carrick has gotten even worse and even more infuriating now than ever. Keep fletcher but please replace carrick with someone who's idea of setting up an attack isn't just tapping it back to smalling and saying 'you do something with it' whilst turning his back and jogging up the field to occupy a position where no one can find him.
Waiting 2 years to hopefully get a player from last nights team to do carricks job - no.
The real troubles in life are apt to the things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle tuesday.Posted 1 year ago # -
Damian Garside
Member Posted by unregistered user: Damian Garside (URL)I would agree that it is likely that we will continue in the free-scoring mode we have started. But City are NOT going to implode (not with a player like Aguero in their team). So it will be neck and neck with them to the last day of the season, I fear. Actually, if we had Aguero, I think we could have been drooling at the prospect of taking on Barca in the CL and annihilating them. But we don’t.
Posted 1 year ago # -
RobDiablo
Member Posted by unregistered user: RobDiabloAn unbelievable start is exactly what United have made, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it, but I won’t let it blind me to the fact that United failed its first real test and were fortunate to come away with all three points against Cheatski.
I’d hold off on putting money on the outcome of the race to the EPL title; England still have two chances to injure Rooney before the season ends. Where would United be then, especially with its collection of sub-standard central midfielders?
Yes, United have been to three of the last four UCL finals, but we know what had to happen in order for United to win the first of those, and we also know how the other matches went, especially last year’s final. It was sadly amusing reading all the anguished posts claiming that Sir Alex had chosen the wrong formation, starting XI, and substitutions. When the cold, hard truth of the matter is that there was no formation and no possible configuration of starters and subs that would have allowed United to best Barcelona that day. The gulf in quality is that wide. I am talking about addressing that gap; you seem to be the one living in dreamland.
Posted 1 year ago # -
RobDiablo
Member Posted by unregistered user: RobDiabloThis is exactly why I think United should pick up two quality midfielders, now! On paper, City are a better side, but what they don’t have is Sir Alex and a history of winning. Let’s keep it that way. Pip City to the title and knock them out of the cup competitions, and you will see the owners start to question Mancini as the manager; he will question himself and revert to the dull, negative football that neither pleases nor wins. Take advantage of the fact that City have two selfish, agitating c*nts in their locker room in Tevez and Balotelli, who are just waiting to undermine Mancini and help create a club full of factions and cliques rather than a team united in the pursuit of winning trophies.
Posted 1 year ago # -
squigs
Member United failed its first real test, How? First half we were excellent and 3-0 flattered Chelsea.
Games such as Arsenal at home were serious tests but with an 8-2 win we passed with flying colours.
City always look like title winners in August, they have done for the last 4 seasons. Don't worry about them.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Julian
Member Posted by unregistered user: JulianUnited now have a style of play which permeates throughout the club it seems. It’s one built on one touch passing and pace – epitomised by the first team. Inculcated into the youth it makes their transition from academy to reserves to first team all the more easier.
Could anyone tell me what’s happening with Morrison who looks an incredible prospect? He doesn’t seem to be playing for the reserves. Are his off field problems still an issue and, if so, how long will it be before the club loses patience? Very sad if it comes to that.
Posted 1 year ago # -
RobDiablo
Member squigs said:
United failed its first real test, How? First half we were excellent and 3-0 flattered Chelsea.Games such as Arsenal at home were serious tests but with an 8-2 win we passed with flying colours.
City always look like title winners in August, they have done for the last 4 seasons. Don't worry about them.
Did you even watch these games? Seriously. Arsenal was a test? Of what, our compassion? If a fit Dogbreath had started instead of Torres, it is highly probable that Cheatski would have scored earlier and more often in that match. United's midfield was virtually non-existant on the day and an out-of-form Torres got behind Jones and Evans all too often.
"City will fail because they always have," is that your contention? In case you haven't been paying attention, City's position in the league table has been on an impressive, upward trajectory; they are legitimate contenders for the EPL crown and are much better placed to deal with the loss of Aguero than United are the loss of Rooney.
Posted 1 year ago # -
squigs
Member We won 3-1 the result was not in doubt after the first 15 minutes. Obviously we deserved to lose based on your assumptions.
City are somehow contenders based on 6 games, we saw them last time out throw away a two goal lead. It really is convincing form. They have plenty of form for looking good in the first few games of the season.
They will have no change, defensively they are still very ordinary.
Posted 1 year ago # -
RobDiablo
Member squigs said:
We won 3-1 the result was not in doubt after the first 15 minutes. Obviously we deserved to lose based on your assumptions.City are somehow contenders based on 6 games, we saw them last time out throw away a two goal lead. It really is convincing form. They have plenty of form for looking good in the first few games of the season.
They will have no change, defensively they are still very ordinary.
You seem to be conveniently overlooking the fact that both of United's first two goals should have been disallowed for offsides. Now, in matches against Cheatski, these kind of things usually go the other way, so I rejoice in the refreshing change, but I do not delude myself into believing that United put the game out of reach after 15 minutes and coasted to an easy victory.
Also, I seem to remember United throwing away a lead at Fulham last year (one Nani should have made two goals) and, shortly afterwards, a two-goal lead at Everton evaporated in stoppage time, but United still won the league. Do you think this season will not produce a few disappointing efforts and results for United? Should we write them off when it happens? Of course not. I'm not saying that City will win the league, but I am saying that they are real contenders. Your position seems to be that they will fail because they always have. That sounds more like wishful thinking than reasoning to me.
You know, I think Barcelona's back four are pretty ordinary as well. Trouble is, teams seem to have a problem keeping the ball out of their net long enough to work it through the midfield and into the attacking third where they can get at that defense.
Posted 1 year ago # -
United4Eva
Member Posted by unregistered user: United4EvaWhat’s wrong with you people? Aren’t you ever satisfied? Be happy with the exeptional squad that we’ve assembled. What makes you think that 2 new signings for 60 mil are going to be better than what we’ve got? It’s very rare for seasoned stars to move from a system that’s built around them to a new system where they have to adapt. Only a handful of players seem to have that ability. And those players either wouldn’t want to move or would cost a fortune. I would rather keep the players who have been at united and are happy to rotate within the squad.
And what’s with all the bashing of our players? Carrick does the donkey work in an unfamiliar position as per his managers command and gets slagged off for it? Fergie puts him in that position as he seems to be the most diciplined of the lot. Trust me, if he was playing along side a more diciplined CM like Hargreaves, then most of his passes would be with attacking intent. Currently Fergie wants him to shield the defence and protect the ball, so he does it. I remember the season when he was toe to toe with scholes in passes with attacking intent. Sadly, he’s been asked to do the donkey work and people jump on him.
After all, I trust Fergie’s judgement and if he trusts Carrick to deliver, then so do I. Where have all the Nani bashers gone these days?
Fergie will bring the right talent in at the right time. Until them back your players we got as it will provide rhme with much needed confidence…. Oh and in the mean time lay back and enjoy the football the team is producing this season
Peace!
Posted 1 year ago # -
Zombie Cucumber
Member Posted by unregistered user: Zombie CucumberI’m so tired of commenters on this blog demanding that we acquire players that will be the “next” to someone that has retired.
Watch a match or two. The team has changed it’s style radically. Trying to find a new player who’s ability closely matches a former one is baseless.
SAF knows this. Watch and learn.
Posted 1 year ago # -
chocolatteballs
Member oh shut up united4eva
could you not at least call yourself united4evra ffs
what donkey work does carrick do?
He would play better alongside hargreaves? What you smokingyour a sanctamonious spa mate.
He's shit and you know it.
A decent midfielder DEMANDS the ball, he gets things moving and places himself in a position to recieve the ball .He also gets a tackle or 3 in.
Carrick is a fairy . He's a passenger. This isn't always evident against Norwich or Bolton but fuck me its evident when we play a half decent team in europe.
Posted 1 year ago #
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