How long will Fergie’s One-Time Fledglings Continue?

By: Rob | February 20th, 2009

It seems odd to those that remember them breaking through in the mid-1990s as “Fergie’s Fledglings” (a slightly cack-handed reference to the Busby Babes of course), but Alex Ferguson is now describing the likes of Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs as the “Old Guard”.

While alot of people assumed they were right at the tail-end of their illustrious career’s, all three have signed one year extentions (along with Edwin Van der Saar). Sir Alex isn’t worried either, he’s talking up the idea of the players staying even longer still. So, how long can they realistically remain competitive at the top level?

To be fair to Giggs, he’s looked good this season, reminding us of his Maldini-esque evergreen qualities. I think its fair to say that both Neville and Scholes however, have looked exactly what they are, ageing players who don’t ever look like they can make the full 90 minutes anymore.

Neville is of course, club captain, so his role is more important – but he rarely leads the side on the pitch, Giggs and Ferdinand seem to be sharing the armband more often than not these days. With impressive youngster Rafael looking to make his mark on the team, and Neville not being as missed as we thought he might be last season when he was constantly injured (Wes Brown looked in admirable form), G-Nev’s days look numbered – Even Fergie is admitting his main attribute is stubborness.

To be fair to Scholes, he didn’t have a bad season last year, he also scored the vital Champions League goal that got him the chance to play in the final he missed in 99. This year however, he is looking more and more a spent force – and you wonder, if Hargreaves was ever fit, how many minutes the ginger ninja would actually have under his belt.

Which just leaves Giggs. While not the player he used to be, he seems to have adapted quite well, and has been putting in experienced, quality performances for United this season. You still don’t feel like he can go on forever though. He has signed on for next season though, like Scholes and Neville.

It’ll be interesting to see how much of a role they have next season. They obviously offer experience and guidence to the younger squad members, but whether they will do that from the pitch is debatable.

Its also striking how down the years Fergie has been seemingly quite willing to let players go when their time is up – but there is something special about that team, possibly the best one he assembled.

The other fledglings are in no rush to call it a day either. David Beckham is fighting to stay in Milan and breeze past various cap records for England. Phil Neville is captain at Everton. Even Nicky Butt is still battling on against indifference at Newcastle.

It’ll be a sad day when these players who have helped define what the Prem is call it a day, but the time has to be coming soon. Right?