Gary Neville’s likely successor?
In Patrice Evra Manchester United have one of football’s leading left-backs. Since joining the club in 2006 the French international has been the embodiment of a consistent performer. The same, however, cannot be said of their opposite flank where Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Rafael da Silva all compete for the right-back slot. This week Manchester United have been rumoured to be tracking Uruguayan full-back Bruno Montelongo. Sir Alex Ferguson evidently does not have a natural incumbent in that position who is comparable to Evra, but is this tantamount to a dilemma? Rotation is the key phrase which will apply to that position again this year but who can expect to be granted the most playing time?
Neville has been described as a player that could only be loved by his club’s fans. As a tribal, lifelong supporter that label will never trouble the right-back who has had a distinguished career with the Red Devils. The Bury born defender was the natural successor to Paul Parker having graduated from United’s youth academy. The passionate Neville’s influence is arguably greater off the pitch these days, his playing time having been restricted by a succession of ankle injuries. Yet Ferguson once said, “He also showed that quality to return after a year and a half out with injuries.” He sporadically seemed to be rolling back the years last season, particularly at home against Milan when he assisted Wayne Rooney with a perfectly weighted cross.
However the veteran full-back suffered at Goodison Park last season and did not fair much better in that fixture this September. He was outpaced by the lively Steven Pienaar and flustered when the South African moved infield, forcing Neville to make a rash challenge early on. Nani’s back tracking runs were essential to protect the besieged defender. Some have argued that the mantle may therefore fall to another life long United fan in the form of Brown. The 30-year old has retired from international football, presumably in an effort to concentrate on his club performances. He signed his first professional contract in 1996 but has habitually been beset by injury. For instance in the 2008/09 season he did not make the requisite number of appearances to qualify for a League Champions’ medal. Highly versatile, he has featured in central defence but has appeared more contented at right-back. He is proficient in the air and has a good turn of pace but will have to show character to be a regular full-back which he was in the 2007/08 season.
The two most likely candidates to dominate that role this season are the cosmopolitan duo of Ireland’s O’Shea and Brazil’s da Silva. They embody two neatly contrasting styles which is inferably as asset to Ferguson. The Irish international is the more cautious option but he is extremely flexible and willing to play across the defensive line and in midfield. The selfless player initially impressed as a left-back for United, gaining a reputation for athletically rampaging down the wing. O’Shea is a composed, adept passer but has rarely been a regular for the club. His defensive qualities are offset by an apparent lack of speed and a reluctance to make overlapping runs when attacking.
That trait is not found wanting in the game of the young Brazilian, Da Silva. For those who question the team’s inability to name a permanent successor to Neville, this defender is possibly the future. His authority is mounting in the present too, adding a degree of attacking flair to that position. He announced himself emphatically to English football by scoring a last minute volley at the Emirates in 2008. Confidence may not be a predicament but insufficient defensive awareness arguably is. He is strong in the tackle but can be forced to make impulsive decisions when rushing back from offensive positions. In the Champions League quarter final last season he had largely nullified the threat posed by Franck Ribery. But he was sent off for hauling back the Frenchman after having previously kicked out at Mark van Bommel.
The headstrong 20-year old palpably enjoys the confidence of his manager and offers an extra, attacking edge to the right flank. This is especially important after the untimely injury to Antonio Valencia. His defensive intelligence should improve with an extended run of competitive action too. But for the biggest occasions the manager may turn to older and wiser heads. This position may appear like a revolving door but it is currently to United’s benefit.
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