Source: Manchester_EveningNews
David Sadler column
I restricted my drink intake to soft ones over the weekend just in case Sir Alex Ferguson rang to see if I could come out of retirement to ease the defensive crisis at United! I didn't get the call, so we must assume he's got a few plans up his sleeve for tonight's match against Wolfsburg to help ease the remarkable catalogue of injuries that is hitting the rearguard. But it is something the Reds have to get through and you have to say against Portsmouth, Spurs and West Ham they have got through it in some style. Of course, when the door to the physio's room opens, another door of opportunity opens for someone else. Sometimes players tentatively push the door ajar and don't make the most of chances but Darron Gibson has shoved it wide open. Insurance The Irishman may not have made the most of the chance against Besiktas but against Tottenham and the Hammers he has really grasped it. The injury pile-up at the back was a bonus for him because playing Darren Fletcher at right back at Upton Park and having Michael Carrick as insurance on the bench - which Sir Alex ultimately needed to use - opened up opportunities in midfield. In many sports, not just football, there seems to be this huge emphasis on youth these days. If you are not a world beater when you are still a teenager, then you are past it. Players of 22, like Darron, tend to get written off almost. But that doesn't account for late or slower developers and I think that is a shame. Of course, it requires patience on the management's part to stick with that kind of player. But, in Darron, you are seeing the reward. His shooting has been terrific and some of his goals have reminded me of Bobby Charlton. Let's hope Darron can continue his run of form.
