United: Built to last the course

No club in the Premier League era can match United’s know-how in finishing a season strongly - and there are plenty of reasons for optimism in this run-in… The young and restless The fresh-faced verve that underpinned United’s fast start to the season could prove integral if the Reds are going to muster a sprint for the line. Sir Alex’s squad remains imbued with vitality, an energy possessed in spades by the youthful; one that, properly harnessed, can make this an unforgettable climax to a topsy-turvy campaign. The desire to do so, according to Danny Welbeck, burns brightly in the United dressing room. “I don’t think anybody understands how hungry we are for this title,” says the striker. “We’re lucky to be in this position but it is hard work and we want to fulfil our dreams, win the title and keep winning and keep winning. There’s nothing going to stop us.” Welbeck has embodied United’s campaign; conducting himself with skill, desire and increasing street smarts as the harsh lessons of top-level football have accumulated by the game. Now, as the stakes rise, the Longsight lad and his fellow fledglings are relishing the chance to win their first domestic crown. “These are exciting times, definitely,” he says. “Going out every weekend and playing in these games, there’s nothing better than that. It’s so exciting and you just want to win so badly. I think you’ve got to be confident within yourselves to know that once you come to these games, you’re going to win.” The undiluted enthusiasm with which the Reds’ youngsters are pounding the home straight carries an infectious excitement. Men at the barricades Composed influences are vital to steer United’s youngsters on the right side  of the fine line between excitement and impulsiveness, especially in defence. As the squad’s most-decorated defenders, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are well-qualified  to steady the ship, while Jonny Evans, at 24, has emerged victorious from two title run-ins at Old Trafford and played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion of 2006/07. Of the Reds’ first-team defenders, only Phil Jones is yet to sample such top-of-the-table rigours. “We’re in a good position,” says Rio. “We’ve been here before and have the experience and nerve to know what it takes to win it.” The injury-enforced fluidity of United’s selections in defence this term has mercifully eased in recent weeks, allowing a familiarity to build between the backline and their goalkeeper, David De Gea. The Spaniard’s strong mentality helped him withstand the forensic scrutiny of his first few months in English football, and his recent spell of sterling form augurs well for the coming months. He is relishing the challenge of commanding his senior cohorts. “To order men like Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand around is not easy for a rookie like me,” says De Gea. “But they are very professional and tell me the goalkeeper is the owner of the area and accept what I say.” After a whirlwind spell of upheaval in the first half of the season, harmony has broken out in a crucial area of the United set-up – and at a vital time.