United boss looking towards the future

United’s youngsters have been terrific this year, and SirAlex Ferguson believes United are reaping the rewards when fielding their youngsters.

Sir Alex’s policy of giving his young players an opportunity to impress has seen an impact this season as the likes of Danny Welbeck, Darron Gibson, Rodrigo Possebon and Rafael Da Silva have all burst on the Old Trafford scene.

The Carling Cup and the FA Cup are good examples of this, as the Red Devils have enjoyed a good run in both competitions. In fact, expect Sir Alex to continue to field a young looking sikde in the Carling Cup final and for the rest of their FA Cup run.

“Some time ago, I took a deliberate decision with (former assistant manager) Carlos Queiroz that the way forward with our youngsters was that as soon as we identified they had the quality and temperament to become first team players, then we would bring them into the squad and let them train with the seniors,” revealed Ferguson.

“This has made a huge difference to their readiness for the big time and they are able to make the most of a first team chance as and when it comes along.”

Ferguson admits training sessions can become crowded with so many players pushing for starting roles, but believes a big squad is an integral part of a successful side.

“This policy we have undertaken has made our training sessions quite hectic and crowded at times but we have the coaching staff to cope,” he added.

“It has enabled our young players to step up with more confidence than if they were coming straight out of the reserves and into the first team.”

The legendary United boss also believes that squad rotation is crucial to the development of players on the fringes of the senior side.

“When you pick lads and come a cropper, there will be some people who point a finger and criticise you for fielding a weakened team,” said Ferguson.

“But you don’t win every match, whatever the strength of your side.

“For the first leg at Derby (in the Carling Cup semi-finals), I am sure some of our critics felt that with a Wembley final just one step away, I should have played all the big guns.

“But I didn’t have any regrets because I knew that long-term, the lads wouldn’t let me down and that I was pursuing the right policy.”