Manchester: Robin Van Persie’s 24 goals fired Manchester United to their 20th league title but manager Alex Ferguson was quick to praise the contributions of some of his unsung heroes.
Michael Carrick consistently held the midfield together with calm assurance and young defenders Rafael and Phil Jones were singled out by Ferguson as players who have made huge strides. “You saw this season an incredible improvement in the boy Rafa,” Ferguson said.
“He has had a fantastic season. His impetuosity has left him and he’s playing with great maturity now. As the season has progressed, he has developed fantastically well. I think Jones might be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him. He has that drive about him and I think at 21 years of age he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch.”
Rafael has excelled in coming forward with bursts of speed and skill to supply pinpoint crosses or breathtaking goals. Jones, though dogged by injury problems, displayed power and composure in defence or as a man-marking midfielder.
Shinji Kagawa has shown glimpses of the brilliance which triggered his move from Borussia Dortmund, while the seemingly ageless Ryan Giggs and dynamic Danny Welbeck also played their part. United’s run of 27 league wins in 34 games could not have been achieved without the contributions of Carrick, goalkeeper David de Gea and Wayne Rooney. The 22-year old De Gea has been a pillar of strength between the posts and United ground out many results thanks to his superb shot-stopping and reflex saves.
Described recently by his captain Nemanja Vidic as “the glue that holds it all together,” former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Carrick once again made the holding midfielder slot his own among a group of players often touted as more talented. REUTERS
