Sir Alex Ferguson 25 years at Manchester United: Stars who weren't born when manager arrived

03 November 2011 17:48
How many managers can pick a starting XI consisting of players that were not even born when they took control of the team?[LNB]Aside from the folks that run Under 9 sides on Sunday mornings, the chances are quite slim - unless you're Sir Alex Ferguson... [LNB]The Manchester United boss has a whole batch of stars under his wing that were yet to grace the planet at the time he took charge at Old Trafford 25 years ago.[LNB]Here, Sportsmail looks at a possible line-up for the Red Devils that have only lived in a world where Ferguson has been in the United hot seat.[LNB] GOALKEEPER David de Gea - 7/11/90Despite his shaky start, De Gea walks into this team with ease as there is no other goalkeeper that can match his Premier League and Champions League experience. Ben Amos is the only other candidate for the Red Devils, with the 21-year-old appearing four times in the Carling Cup and earning a start against Valencia in last season's Champions League.[LNB] First choice: Young Spanish goalkeepeer David de Gea wasn't born when Sir Alex Ferguson took charge at Old Trafford[LNB]DEFENDERSChris Smalling - 22/11/89It's been a rapid rise for Smalling who went from non-league football with Maidstone to the Champions League in just two years.Ferguson took everyone by surprise when he paid Fulham ?10million for his services but he looks set to be a fixture for United and England for many years to come.Fabio da Silva - 9/7/90Arriving with his brother Rafael in 2008, Da Silva hasn't become a first team regular yet due to the impressive form of Patrice Evra, but he has impressed when called upon. Seen as a cup specialist, his seven Premier League starts are just one more than his FA Cup and Carling Cup efforts, while he racks up a further four in the Champions League.[LNB] Case for the defence: Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling (R)[LNB]Jonny Evans - 3/1/87After biding his time and playing second fiddle to the rock solid partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, Evans has ousted the former in defence to become more of a fixture at Old Trafford. The Northern Irishman has come up through the ranks at United, making his debut in a Carling Cup match against Coventry in 2007 before spending time on loan at Sunderland.Phil Jones - 21/2/92Just one full season at Blackburn was the only excuse Ferguson needed to splash out ?16.5million on Jones who has since gone on to feature for England. His signing was seen as one to replace Ferdinand and Vidic for the long term and fans hope he can form a successful partnership with Smalling for many years to come.[LNB]MIDFIELDERSRafael da Silva- 9/7/90Rafael has played comfortably in midfield on a few occasions for United but he is a more accustomed right back and has played a greater role for the club than his brother. But his career has hit a set-back recently as Fabio was picked ahead of him for last season's Champions League final and he has yet to feature outside the Community Shield this term due to injury.[LNB]Nani - 17/11/86Born just 11 days after Ferguson took over at Old Trafford, Nani is the 'veteran' of the team and has improved greatly since arriving from Sporting Lisbon four years ago. Often in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese winger has become a vital part of United's attack since his Portuguese compatriot left, and as a result has started to put in more consistent performances.[LNB] Middle men: Nani (L) and Anderson[LNB]Anderson - 13/4/88Has yet to hit the heights expected of him since joining from Porto four years ago, but Anderson has done enough to remain a part of first team plans. The Brazilian signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract last term, a sign that Ferguson sees him as a vital part of the United set-up for the next few seasons.[LNB]Tom Cleverley - 12/8/89With the retirement of Paul Scholes, Ferguson handed Cleverley the chance to become his natural replacement and has so far been on the winning side all seven times he has worn the United shirt. Cleverley is a product of the United youth academy but had to learn his trade on loan to Leicester, Watford and Wigan - proving crucial in the latter's successful battle against relegation last term.[LNB]STRIKERSJavier Hernandez - 1/6/88Signed as an unknown before the 2010 World Cup, Hernandez established himself in the first team at United during last season, dispatching the league's top scorer and ?30million Dimitar Berbatov - such was his impact. A record of 24 goals in just 33 games has made him a sensation and after signing a new five-year-deal recently is set to continue his successful partnership with Rooney for a long while yet.[LNB] On the attack: Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez (R)[LNB]Danny Welbeck - 26-11-90The England international has come a long way since making his United debut in the Carling Cup against Middlesbrough in 2008.Back then he looked talented but raw. Loan spells at Preston and Sunderland since have worked wonders for his development and he has returned to United in front of Berbatov and sometimes Hernanedez in the pecking order.[LNB]  Fergie's fairytale: United boss casts eye over 25 years in charge at Old Trafford1986-2011: Picture special of Fergie through the years...Football... bloody hell! Great Ferguson quotes from over the last 25 yearsSchmeichel, Cantona, Ronaldo... Ferguson's best-ever signings at Old TraffordFergie's best team ever? Sportsmail lists Manchester United's perfect XI over 25 yearsFerguson's trophy cabinet: All the major cups won in 25 glorious yearsThe Famous Five - Manchester United's greatest achievements under FergusonAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion [LNB]

Source: Daily_Mail