The Old Boys' Club in Manchester: Giggs, Scholes, and Neville

I think I was a fan of Manchester United for about two months. That was, of course, until I actually started to watch games and it was brought to my attention that Chelsea were a far better team.

However, as the stars of the games get younger and younger it is interesting to look at the veterans at some of the major clubs. In this article (and possibly a few more) I will look at some of the mainstays at some of England's clubs.

Fergie's Fellas

We have all heard of Busby's Babes. I would like to add to that grouping a few players that play for the current gaffer, Sir Alex Ferguson.

In the modern game players move from club to club on a consistent basis. It is very often that you see a player stay at one club for their entire professional career.

At Manchester United, though, there are three individuals who stand out among the rest of the first team. Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Garry Neville have played their entire professional careers for the Red Devils, and it would appear that they will spend the rest of their careers there.

The question is how much of a role, if any, will these four stars continue to play for Fergie and the Red Devils.

Riding The Pine Pony?

Is it far to say that with the role that Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Nani, or even Park Ji-Sung are playing in the club, the careers of some of United's most devoted players is in risk of being washed away?

I do not think so. It is a simple equation in football. You break into the ranks when you are in your teens. You usually play your first first team match at 18 or 19. You build into your prime in the early to mid 20's. In your late 20's, you still see playing time but often times it becomes limited. Once you hit your 30's, you start to ramp down a lot, unless you are a 'keeper.

The roles that Giggs, Scholes, and Neville play at United are so far cemented into the bedrock of the club that it would take a serious injury to keep them out of the game for extended periods of time.

Paul Scholes, who many have said is the best mid-fielder in the world, retired from international football after Euro 2004 so that he could work on his club skills more.

If I were to list Ryan Giggs's accomplishments in the game, it would likely take me a few pages.

Lastly, there is Gary Neville, who has captained United to some of its biggest victories in the last decade.

Apart from their clear list of accolades, what secures their place within the club?

I believe it is two fold. First there is the sheer sense of loyalty to the club. All three of the above mentioned players are in their early thirties, clearly in the autumn of their careers but they have not ever moved since starting with the club.

Secondly, this loyalty leads to them being able to play year in and year out in the United system without having to be schooled on how the Devils play ball. They have played in the team for so long that they themselves turn into coaches in essence to help the younger players along.

United Forever

That's what these three guys and the team are, they are united forever to one another. In this day of multi-million, record breaking transfers, it is nice to have a group of guys that play for the love of the club and of the sport. Good job guys, and best of luck digging out the 15th spot in the table.