Sir Alex Ferguson will remain protective of young midfielders Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher as the two continue to develop at United.
Ferguson has always been protective of prodigious young talents at the club, notably the likes of Ryan Giggs who broke into the United first team, aged just 17.
Ronaldo, 18, and Fletcher, 19, are both being given similar supervision by the United boss.
The pair have both started on only three occasions this season. Against Leeds and West Brom in the Carling Cup, and against Panathinaikos in the Champions League. Otherwise Ferguson has chosen to alternate between involving the two.
Ferguson is keen to give both youngsters games. Only at Ibrox did neither play a part. But, as United approach the winter period, Sir Alex is planning to rest the talented duo.
Starts Sub apps
Fletcher 8 3
Ronaldo 10 6
Correct at 10/12/03
Fergie said of Ronaldo: ”He’s only 18 years of age, so we have to be careful how we use him and assess him. He’s made great roads in understanding the English game.
”The secret will be when we rest him for a good long period. I’m talking about maybe three weeks, to allow him to come on again, particularly during winter. We have to really monitor him and be careful with him,” said the manager.
But Ryan Giggs says Ronaldo’s involvement so far this season – 16 appearances, 10 as a starter – has largely been forged because of some impressive displays from the Portuguese winger.
“I think he’s done brilliant at such a young age to come into the team,” said Giggs. “He’s played more games than he perhaps thought, but that is because he has done so well. It’s an extra dimension with his running at players and trying to upset the back four.”
And, having benefited from Ferguson’s guidance as a youngster, Giggs believes taking a step back, although not a likely inclination of any young player, may help his progression.
”You never like to get rested,” admitted the Welshman. “But, [it’s good to] just to sit on the bench for a while, to take a step back and watch others players.”
Darren Fletcher has also profited from Ferguson’s stewardship. The Scottish midfielder’s career has been carefully nurtured more than most because of a series of injuries as a youth player.
But Ferguson feels his patience with Fletcher will pay off, believing United will possess a more rounded player in a years’ time.
”Although Fletcher has played wide right for us, we think he is a central midfield player, no question,” said the boss. “He’s got enormous potential.
”Playing in the wide right position allows him more protection at his age and with his physique. He’s still growing physically.
”In a years time you will see a far more rounded player, and certainly a more developed player than the one you see at the moment,” added Ferguson.
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