This group proved worthier than the previous generation in comparisons with the Busby Babes in terms of the success they achieved as relatively young footballers. Each one was developed by Manchester United from a very early age, some signing schoolboy forms with the club at the age of just 14. Many of these players were part of the Manchester United team that won the 1992 FA Youth Cup, including future United regulars David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. Also generally considered in this group are players such as Paul Scholes, an FA Youth Cup finalist in 1993 and Phil Neville – Gary's younger brother – who was a substitute in the 1993 FA Youth Cup Final and captained the team to the 1995 FA Youth Cup.
The term "Fergie's Fledglings" came back into common usage during the 1995-96 season, after Ferguson largely used this second group of youngsters coming through to replace a number of distinguished older players who had left the club. Following a 3–1 opening day away defeat to Aston Villa, pundit Alan Hansen commented on Match of The Day "You'll never win anything with kids". The young side, with an average age of just 24, then went on to overturn Newcastle United's 10-point Christmas lead to win the club's third league title in four years.
1) This was followed up by a 1–0 win over Liverpool in the 1996 FA Cup Final to secure the Double.
2) A period of great success followed, the most outstanding triumph being The Treble in 1999 when they made one of the greatest comebacks of all time in the Champions League Final against Bayern Munich.
Many of the so-called "Class of '92" became regulars for both club and country during this time. David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville moved on in 2003 (to Real Madrid), 2004 (to Newcastle United) and 2005 (to Everton) respectively, with Beckham also captaining England from 2000 to 2006. All three have since retired, with Butt returning to United as member of the coaching staff.
Gary Neville remained at United for the rest of his career and held the post of team captain following the departure of Roy Keane in 2005, before injuries considerably reduced his appearances, prompting his retirement in February 2011. Upon the announcement, Sir Alex Ferguson described Neville as "the greatest English right back of his generation."
 |
| Gary Neville in his last game before retiring |
Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes both played their entire Premiership careers for Manchester United. Scholes announced his retirement at the end of the 2010–11 season, remaining at the club as a youth coach, but made a return to playing duties in January 2012 after several United midfielders were brought down by injury before retiring again at the conclusion of the 2012–13 season. Giggs has now won more trophies than any other player in football history. Coming on as a substitute in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final, he became the club's all-time appearance record holder. The previous holder was Sir Bobby Charlton, the longest serving of the Busby Babes. Giggs went on to hold the post of assistant manager of Manchester United but left the club during the summer of 2016.
 |
| Paul Scholes final appearance for Manchester United |
 |
| Ryan Giggs' final appearance as Manchester United's interim manager |
No comments:
Post a Comment