Fergie reveals youth policy

26 February 2009 16:42
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United are reaping the rewards of pitching their youngsters in at the deep end.[LNB] The Red Devils boss has never been afraid to give promising talents an opportunity to impress, and continues to operate with that policy in mind.[LNB]With the club still on track to claim an unprecedented quintuple this season, Ferguson is aware of the need to have quality cover in every position.[LNB]The veteran coach does not concern himself with the age of those he entrusts with generating results, believing that if they are good enough then they are old enough.[LNB]The current campaign has seen the likes of Danny Welbeck, Darron Gibson, Rodrigo Possebon, Fabio Da Silva and Rafael Da Silva all burst onto the Old Trafford stage, with their progression into first-team stars testament to the meticulous hard work carried out by Ferguson and his coaching staff.[LNB]Quality"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.[LNB]"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."[LNB]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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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."[LNB]CriticsThe legendary United boss also believes that squad rotation is crucial to the development of players on the fringes of the senior side.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"But you don't win every match, whatever the strength of your side.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports