There was something refreshing about seeing Manchester United playing Ajax in the first leg of their Europa League tie last week. It was not so much the actual match, which failed to spark into life until after the second half. No, rather it was seeing the vast array of English talent that Sir Alex Ferguson fielded, especially in the centre of the park. It was pleasing to see the three English central midfielders who appeared at different stages of the match effectively control the pace of the game for long periods. English midfielders setting the tone for a game; surely not?
The three players I am referring to are Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and the returning Tom Cleverley.
Paul Scholes of course needs no introduction, but the way the veteran has seamlessly fitted back into the side and arguably better than previous years is remarkable. They say form is temporary, class is permanent and while Scholes still has the legs to churn out the performances he has done since his return it would be ludicrous not to pick him.
The way Scholes and Carrick have played together in the past month has been superb, and opposition teams haven’t had a look in. Just take the two recent games against Liverpool as examples. In an all English match up, it was Carrick and Scholes who overwhelmingly dominated Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard, who coincidently were playing in a five man midfield, and the fact the Liverpool pair could barely impose themselves on the ball in turn meant Liverpool scarcely created a chance from open play.
Again against Chelsea, it can be agreed the 3-0 score line flattered Chelsea at the time, with Carrick comfortably bossing proceedings. And as soon as the evergreen ginger maestro came on, Chelsea were hopelessly carved open time after time. Paul Scholes, essentially an English version of Xavi , with an ability to dictate play, keep the ball and effortlessly pass and move; characteristics sadly most of our English midfielders simply do not posses.
Michael Carrick, a player who divides so much opinion has complimented Scholes perfectly ever since the latter’s return to the side. Never have two players been so suited to Manchester United’s traditional 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1; however you want to look at it. While one attacks the other will intelligently drop back and vice versa. They say statistics do not always tell the whole story of a players ability but Michael’s statistics simply emphasize how consistent and sometimes outstanding he has been, especially in the past few games.