Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson heaps praise on young players

By Sam Hughes, Reporter | 16 February 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson praises the performances of his young players this season, insisting that the club's patience has helped them develop into key members of his squad.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on his young players, who have excelled in the team this season.

The Scot singled out Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, insisting that the club always has patience with their young stars.

"We are patient with young players," Ferguson told reporters. "We were patient with Tom Cleverley, sent him on loan on four different occasions until he matured and now he is an important member of the squad.

Speaking about Welbeck's performance in Madrid, Ferguson added: "That performance won't do him any harm, that's for sure. But it's a great boost to younger players who are coming behind him, from the academy as Danny has done.

"He has been with us since he was nine years old and it's a great testimony to the development we do with our younger players. They can see that by trusting us to map out their careers and help them, that they can get to Danny's situation."

United are currently leading the Premier League by 12 points.