Loan Players – The good, the bad and the pointless

I was interested to read the recent comments of Sylvan Ebankes-Blake, now playing for Plymouth Argyle. When talking about his time at United he let slip that the players joked that a player’s time was up once they came back from loan from Belgium. Although this was true in his case and was obviously an in-house joke it made me wonder about the merits and futures of those players we have been sending out on loan. Recent United gossip columns have been saying that Fergie is unsure over the future of David Jones. He’s back at United, but there clearly is an issue now on how best to use him. He has been on loan to Preston and abroad. So what next??

But is it only David Jones? And how does Sir Alex juggle the pressure being applied by young players in the squad. A cynic might point out that it wasn’t a problem for Ronaldo and Rooney to find a space in the first X1. So is it really a question of loan spells and maturity or is just a simple ‘they’re not good enough”?

Players probably do develop at different rates and different times – it stands to reason, as individuals are just that. And yes, Rooney and Ronaldo are exceptionally gifted as players, although there is no guarantee that they will be as good as they are now when they reach 30. They should be, but there is no guarantee.

So who are the younger players (21 and under) on loan and what chance do they have of making into United’s first team? Again, I can provide no guarantee and in many ways wish to be proved wrong.

Name: C Eagles
Age: 20
At: NEC Nijmegen
Yes or No: No
Comment: I doubt his time at Watford will have helped his CV. He has talent but has yet to stand out as a vital player.

Name: L Martin
Age: 19
At: Rangers
Yes or No:Yes
Comment: I believe this guy has real promise and being sent to Rangers (he’s currently injured) will do him the world of good.

Name: P Bardsley
Age: 20
At: Rangers
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: I believe he could play as Neville’s understudy now.

Name: G Pique
Age: 19
At: Real Zaragoza
Yes or no: No
Comment: The option to buy on his loan spell may be telling. However, the guy could be a regular but will those Spanish skies become too enticing?

Name: J Evans
Age: 18
At: R Antwerp
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: No question here. Probably the best bet to make a back-four position his-own in due course

Name: G Rossi
Age: 19
At: Newcastle
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: His instinct to find the back of the net is a precious commodity. I believe he should get more chances this season in the English Cups.

Name: D Gibson
Age: 19
At: R Antwerp
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: He is highly thought of but central midfield is one of the hardest positions to fill. It will take time.

Name: D Simpson
Age: 19
At: R Antwerp
Yes or No: Yes
Comment: Fullbacks need aggression, pace and good control. He has all that and we are not blessed with natural fullbacks so expect him to get a few chances next season in cup games.

Name: F Campbell
Age: 19
At: R Antwerp
Yes or No: No
Comment: Scores plenty and has pace but reports are he may just fall short of the grade

Name: D Fangzhou
Age: 21
At: Royal Antwerp
Yes or No: No
Comment: His pace and movement are pleasing but his work permit vs country issue may mean another year passes him by.

Name: M Soulyemane
Age: 19
At: Royal Antwerp
Yes or No: No

Comment: Reports are okay but he could do with a spell on loan in the UK to appreciate the different challenge faced in the Premiership and English football.