Finally the wait is over!!
SAF has made the decision who would be made Club Captain following the sudden departure of Keano. SAF had narrowed down his shortlist to three players: RVN, Gary and Giggsy. While his decision seems in a way logical- rewarding long-term service and choosing a player who is likely to be playing week in, week out- it was perhaps a bit conservative, given MU‘s need to revamp itself in the wake of Chelsea‘s domestic dominance.
RVN would never have been a good choice, given the position he plays. Giggsy just doesn’t play regularly enough, not just because of recent injuries – but also the bright start that Ji Sung-Park has made to his career at United. So, from the old guard, Gary did seem the natural choice- his position secure, despite the recent good showing of Phil Bardsley.
As Fergie explained it himself to the BBC:
“Given the service Gary has given this club, it is the right decision.
Ryan was under consideration, but you cannot expect someone of his age to be running up and down the touchline every game.
He will still play a lot of matches for us, but we want to try and keep the freshness in his legs, so he will not play every week.”
But aren’t we trying to build the third great team of SAF‘s stewardship?? In which case, wouldn’t it have been a bolder and perhaps more fruitful move to have picked one of the younger players. One can understand that Rooney boy, reportedly always asking for the job (!), might not be the ideal choice- but what about Rio for example?? The other element to consider is that, despite the fact that MU has more British-based players than most, perhaps a Club Captain with more of an international perspective might have been good. Players like Ronaldo, Park and Heinze– firm 1st team members are likely to be joined by a host of other foreign players in the January transfer window- and having a foreigner as a Captain just might help persuade some of those players MU are runoured to be trying to entice, such as Michael Ballack.
Anyway…..the decision is made and true to our mantra, whether we agree with SAF or not, we’ll support the Reds through thick and thin!!
Portsmouth up next. EASY…EASY..EASY!!!!!!