Man Utd’s old boys turn into Chelsea camp

Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and now Michael Owen. Are they part of the solution for Manchester United’s future, or part of the problem. Will United face a Chelsea-like situation – where accusations of “player power” preventing young and new comers at the club from flourishing are rife. Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba and Ashley Cole. After United invited Ferdinand to consider a Giggs like future at Old Trafford – coming on as an “impact oldie” – today Michael Owen released a statement saying he has at least two more years at the top. Owen said, "My body feels as though it can play and my mind wants to and I think I still have another two or three years left. "Some players are struggling to get out of bed and complain about their knees or Achilles. I never get pains like that. "It is probably strange to hear that because people know I am injured. But joint-wise, I feel great. On top of that Giggs has set himself a target of playing 1000 games for Manchester United. The 38-year-old has chalked up a record 904 appearances for the club since making his debut 22 years ago. He is in no hurry retire like Paul Scholes — who then made a dramatic comeback in January. The influence he and Scholes have had on the team has been a key factor in United, compared with the impact Andrea Pirlo, another oldie, has had for Juventus in the Italian league. Speaking to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Giggs said: "At the moment I'm focused on playing but I will be involved in football afterwards. "I've done my coaching badges and done all I can to prepare myself for life after football. "But to manage a team like Manchester United? "Guardiola's done it at Barcelona but even he was the coach of their 'B' team for a couple of years. "He had a little bit of experience managing so we'll have to see.” Will the United old guard be a help or a hindrance… only Sir Alex and time will tell.