Hansen’s Kids: An Iconic Footballing Folly?

  • maskobus
  • Aug 16, 2025

Thirty years ago, a youthful Manchester United side suffered a humbling 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on the opening day of the 1995-96 Premier League season. This match would become infamous not just for the result, but for a piece of commentary that would forever be etched in football history.

Alan Hansen, a respected pundit on Match of the Day, delivered the now-iconic line: “You can’t win anything with kids.” His assessment, made almost as an aside, resonated deeply, not just with the viewing public, but also with some of the United players themselves. Nicky Butt later confessed that Hansen simply voiced what many were already thinking.

A Team in Transition

The context surrounding this defeat was crucial. Manchester United had undergone significant changes during the summer. Key players such as Paul Ince, Mark Hughes, and Andrei Kanchelskis had departed, leaving gaps in the squad. Further compounding the issue, Ryan Giggs, Steve Bruce, and Andy Cole were unavailable for the Villa match, and Eric Cantona was suspended. This forced manager Alex Ferguson to field a youthful and inexperienced side.

However, the team selection itself raised eyebrows. Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Mark Bosnich recalls that the formation was particularly surprising. Ferguson opted for a three-at-the-back system, with Gary Neville, Gary Pallister, and Paul Parker as centre-halves, and Phil Neville and Denis Irwin operating as wing-backs. While three-man defences were fashionable at the time, Ferguson had rarely used it, and arguably for good reason.

Villa’s Tactical Advantage

Aston Villa, managed by Brian Little, were known for their proficiency in the 5-3-2 formation. Upon seeing the United team sheet, Little immediately adjusted his own tactics. Villa had also invested heavily in new players that summer, including Gareth Southgate, Mark Draper, and Savo Milosevic.

The match itself was a one-sided affair in the first half. Villa exploited the space and confusion in the United defence, racing to a 3-0 lead within 37 minutes, with goals from Ian Taylor, Draper, and Dwight Yorke.

A Change in Formation

At half-time, Ferguson responded by substituting Phil Neville with David Beckham and switching to a more conventional 4-4-2 formation. The change had an immediate impact. United improved significantly in the second half, with Beckham scoring a late goal, but Villa held on for the victory.

Bosnich, who had previously played in United’s youth teams, told the press to “have faith” because he had seen “something very different” in the second half, something “outstanding”.

Hansen’s Words Echo

Hansen’s comment, though delivered in the moment, became a defining narrative of the season. While he acknowledged that United had problems, he didn’t believe they were insurmountable. He also highlighted the importance of senior players, such as Roy Keane, Pallister, Bruce, Cantona, and Peter Schmeichel, who would return to the team and provide experience and leadership.

The words served as motivation for the United players. Parker admitted that the players wanted to “shove it right back”. Ferguson, rather than addressing Hansen’s comments directly, chose to reinforce his belief in his players.

United responded emphatically, winning their next five matches before Cantona’s return. The team went on to secure a league and cup double that season, proving Hansen wrong.

The Legacy of the Line

Ferguson later admitted that the line was inspired by a maxim from Bob Paisley, “experience is everything”.

Hansen himself acknowledged the impact of his words, joking that they “made him”. The quote became a defining moment in football punditry, amplified by the reach and influence of Match of the Day at the time.

A Different Media Landscape

Bosnich, now a pundit himself, reflects on how Hansen’s comment would be received in today’s media landscape. In the era of social media, such a statement would likely “go viral”, but it would also be just one of many opinions vying for attention. The proliferation of media outlets has diminished the impact of any single line.

The Modern Game

While Hansen’s comment was partly accurate at the time, it is not necessarily true of the modern game. The emphasis on pressing and tactical flexibility means that younger players, with their energy and adaptability, are highly valued. The most expensive players are often in their early twenties, and the average age of Premier League squads has decreased.

In the 1995-96 season, the average age of Premier League squads was 26.3 years. For the 2025-26 season, the average age is lower. Managers now favour youthful exuberance. In today’s football landscape, you arguably can’t win anything without kids.

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