theconvictor

As the UEFA Champions’ League Final approaches, Sir Alex Ferguson and Avram Grant have a problem that many managers would love to have. They have the difficult task of going through their bloated rosters and determining which of their many world-class players to start in the final. Ferguson, who is normally very careful not to show his cards too early, has already tipped his hand. Paul Scholes, the veteran midfielder whose beautiful strike in the 2nd leg of the Champions’ League semi-final put United through to the finals, has been all but guaranteed a start. Ferguson also indicated that Ryan Giggs, who would break Sir Bobby Charlton’s club appearance record with appearances in the season finale next week and in the Champions’ League final, would definitely feature into his lineup in some way, either as a starter or as a reserve. There was a time when both of these venerable Manchester United icons would have been automatic selections for any starting XI, no matter what the circumstances and no matter what other players were available. However, as Sir Alex Ferguson looks ready to ride off into the sunset, he’s allowed his sentiment to cloud his judgment. In doing so, he may be putting his team at a considerable disadvantage as they head into their biggest match of the year.

With his thunderous strike against Barcelona, Paul Scholes showed that he is still capable of changing a game with one kick. Scholes’ European experience, as well as his passing acumen would make him a logical start in most cases. However, against a fellow Premier League team, Scholes could very well lack the pace and energy that someone like Anderson would provide. Scholes has not had a good league campaign this year, and his defensive deficiencies have cost the club on several occasions (like the second loss to Manchester City this season, for example). Ferguson clearly believes in him, though, and obviously wants to make up for 1999 when Scholes missed out on the Champions’ League Final against Bayern Munich because of suspension. While that loyalty is admirable, it could cost the club, especially against a powerhouse team like Chelsea.

Giggs will go down in history as one of the greatest wingers to ever play the game. This season, however, he has been erratic, at best. Age seems to have caught up with him, and for a position that requires so much pace and speed, it’s not like he can make up for it with smart positional play and experience. Giggs is at his best when he’s dribbling down the flank and creating havoc by whipping crosses into the box. This year, however, he hasn’t had that same burst that Manchester United fans have taken for granted over the last 15 years. There’s a reason why, during the must-win match with Barcelona, Ferguson went with the younger and more explosive Nani instead of Giggs. That being said, given Nani’s determination to be a complete unprofessional and hooligan, it looks like Giggs will get the start by default.

Just ask Avram Grant how going with sentiment has worked out for him in the past. During the League Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur, Grant selected John Terry and Frank Lampard to start over Alex and Michael Ballack, despite the fact that the former two were getting over injuries and hadn’t played for several weeks. The omission of Ballack was especially questionable, given his excellent form and leadership during a difficult period for the club when they were missing the likes of Terry, Lampard, Michael Essien, and Didier Drogba. Grant also felt obligated to start newly acquired Nicholas Anelka, despite the fact that he and Drogba had yet to play together. Grant took a well-deserved beating in the press for his questionable tactics. However, he seems to have learned from his mistakes and will be a better manager because of it.

Manchester United may have better playmakers than Chelsea, however Chelsea’s team is stronger from top to bottom. If Manchester United were to win the Premier League, they would be deserving champions. However, it’s indisputable that, since the New Year, Chelsea has been the best team in England, and possibly in Europe. Chelsea seem determined to prove that you don’t need things like clubhouse chemistry, respect for the manager, or harmony on the pitch in order to win. When the two teams met at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago, the scoreline may have been 2-1 in favor of Chelsea, but the closeness of that final tally doesn’t do justice to how convincing Chelsea’s win really was. They completely outplayed Manchester United and, if it weren’t for a stupid mistake by Ricardo Carvalho, their most consistent defensive player all season, they would have won easily. In fact, Manchester United were lucky to have even been in a position to take a point, and if it weren’t for a dubious hand-ball penalty on Michael Carrick in the waning minutes of the game, they would have pulled off one of the greatest escape acts in recent years.

Given how highly Ferguson values this competition, it would seem as if he would do what was best for the team when it comes to selecting his side. Sure, it’s still early, and he could be throwing out red herrings for the media to gobble up. However, it’s highly doubtful that he would say the things that he’s been saying about Scholes and Giggs unless he meant them. Scholes and Giggs have been warriors for Ferguson for so many years. It’s admirable that Ferguson wants to do right by them and reward them for their years of loyalty and devotion. However, the immediate goal is to win the match, and the bottom line is that Giggs and Scholes are no longer automatic first-choice starters for the team. If Ferguson honestly believes that their experience will trump their physical limitations, then he should start them. If Ferguson honestly believes that Anderson isn’t ready for such a big-time match, that Nani’s shoot-first mentality and crass on-field behavior puts the team at a disadvantage, or that Carrick looks like he’s running on fumes, then he should start his veteran duo. If he’s more intent on getting Scholes that winner’s medal that’s missing from his trophy case and giving Giggs the all-time appearances record, then he should keep them on the bench (they’ll still get winner’s medals if they’re named as substitutes). Sentiment means nothing at this point in the season.

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