Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he has been impressed by Manchester United’s big-money summer-signings.
Louis van Gaal brought in an array of stars in the transfer window, including Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao.
And Old Trafford legend Sir Alex is sure that the signings will make a big impact at the 20-time league champions – admitting the squad needed rebuilding.
“They brought in some good quality. It was really important, as you need quality at Manchester United, you need the best players,” the Scot told MUTV in an exclusive interview.
“It’s the rebuilding of the team that’s important.
“The signing of [Luke] Shaw was the one we tried to get when he was 16 years of age. They [Southampton] wouldn’t sell him to us but they always said we’d be first to know if they ever did.
“Of course, Ed Woodward carried that through and got him, I think for £30million. He’s a talented boy, a good footballer who likes to get forward all the time.
“[Ander] Herrera played against us three years ago for [Athletic Club] Bilbao in the Europa League.
“He’s a talented young player and we scouted him quite a lot at that time. He’s athletic, quite aggressive actually for a lad who has not a got a great frame as he’s quite slim but he gets around the pitch.”
“[Marcos] Rojo, I thought he did really well for Argentina in the World Cup and Daley Blind is one of those common-sense footballers who make up a team.
“He’s probably a version of Darren Fletcher of a few years ago, that type of player who keeps it simple and protects the defenders.”
Ferguson also confessed that even though United splashed out nearly £60million on Di Maria, and around £12million a season-long loan deal for Radamel Falcao, that it will prove to be money well spent.
“I think when you can identify ability like that needed by Manchester United, they [the club] have the resources to do that [deal],” the 72-year-old added.
“They needed quite a big injection this year as well.
“The big one is Falcao who we’re all waiting to see. Obviously, he has fantastic goal-scoring ability. He had his injury so getting him on loan is the right thing to do.”
Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair have both made their senior debuts this season at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence.
And Sir Alex, who developed the iconic ‘Class of ‘92’ during his tenure at the club, affirmed that Van Gaal’s use of youth players has also excited him.
“What has pleased me with Louis is he’s given seven young kids their debuts this year and that falls into line with the history of our club,” said Sir Alex.
“I think the supporters particularly respond very, very well when a young player gets his opportunity.
“You can never afford that, in my time in particular, and there was always a time when you had to assess exactly where they’re going. Whether they are going to be first-team players or get careers elsewhere.
“The great thing about United that still exists is there are probably around 90 players playing in England who started their careers at United’s academy.
“It tells you the operation produces not just young players but good human beings, young people who can go anywhere.”
Main image courtesy of Nike Football via YouTube, with thanks.
