The United Philosophy: Win whatever it takes

I read an interesting fact today on-line that got me thinking about this year’s United team , the fact read ‘Manchester United have earned more points this season than they have ever done in Premier League history after 25 games (62).’

'Sir Alex knows how to win games'
Photo courtesy of Andrea Sartorati
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomjoad/5481682698/

Now this fact seems quite remarkable when you look at some of the squads Sir Alex Ferguson has had under his command since the inception of the Premier League in comparison to this season’s squad of players.

Yes they still have mega stars in the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie but on paper their overall squad doesn’t boast the huge well known talents of yesteryear. Player’s like Beckham, Cantona, Ince, Bruce, Yorke, Cole, Ronaldo the list is endless all very talented players and key components of the teams they played in. They were also often seen in headlines for both football and off-the-pitch reasons something that enhanced their profiles and gave them more publicity.

When you look at the squad this season Manchester United don’t really have many players in the side that are headline material other than for footballing reasons. Most of their players are very much unsung and go under the radar, Carrick, Kagawa, Vidic, Rafael all players that go about their business quietly but effectively. The blend of young talent bolstered by the experienced talent in the form of Ferdinand, Evra, Giggs and Scholes is the perfect mix for the champions elect.  They are not a side full of egos they are collectively a unit of talented players who have had it instilled in them what it takes to win.

This is the genius that Alex Ferguson possesses he has created a team of players, not just a squad of egos. I think on paper this Manchester United team is nowhere near as good as some of their past teams but that’s not the point. Yes they have looked vulnerable this year, they have not beaten teams with the ease they are expected to, they have often gone behind in games but somehow they always manage to come back to win.

Surely that is a clear sign of a team that is stronger than ever as a unit and it’s a well known cliché, that champions always find a way to win even when not playing at their best, and this cliché is one that epitomises this season for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

Now nine points clear of Man City and consistently winning games at all costs, United are the clear favourites to regain their crown but look what happened last year. It’s not impossible for City but this season it just seems like Man United just have something about them that say’s determinedly that they are not going to let it slip this year.