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Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United’s dramatic fightback against Manchester City in the Community Shield proves he was right to put his faith in a youth revolution.
Ferguson’s side came from two goals down to beat arch rivals City at Wembley on Sunday despite fielding a second-half line-up with an average age of just 22.
United trailed to goals from Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko at half-time and Ferguson’s response was to send on Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley and Jonny Evans in place of senior stars Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Michael Carrick.
Jones, 19, and Cleverley, 21, joined fellow youngsters Chris Smalling, 21, Danny Welbeck, 20, and David De Gea, 20, for a classic second half revival as Ferguson’s team showed that United’s habit of snatching late winners has been passed onto a new generation.
Smalling started the comeback with a close-range volley and Nani equalised by capping a sublime one-touch move involving Cleverley and Wayne Rooney with a cool finish.
United got their reward for a vibrant display when Nani grabbed the winner with virtually the last kick of the match after a mistake from City defender Vincent Kompany.
It was the perfect morale boost seven days before United kick off their Premier League title defence at West Bromwich Albion and Ferguson was delighted to see so many young prodigies leading the way.
“For us it just confirms what I thought about the squad. People were saying it’s not the best United squad but you have to remember a lot of young players will improve,” Ferguson said.
“I always wanted to expose Jones, Cleverley and Evans to that big-match environment. It was a big challenge for them and they did well.
“I’m very confident with this group of players. De Gea and Jones give us a good future. They are outstanding. (Ashley) Young was good as well. He is 25 and a mature player after playing for Aston Villa but he’s new to the type of challenge he is getting at United.”
