The Perfect Balance

Sir Alex Ferguson feels he now has the perfect balance of youth and experience within his burgeoning squad.

The recent acquisition of Dimitar Berbatov has added both finesse and firepower, but it is the progression of a host of the club's youngsters which have given the United boss much cause for optimism.

"We’ve got a group of young players who are doing very well and showing fantastic potential," he said. "Rafael, his brother Fabio, Possebon, Gibson, Jonny Evans and Welbeck are the type of youngsters we’ve always tried to have here in the last 15 years or so.

"They can take over from the younger lads in the squad who will move into the middle-age section and they, in time, become the older players. That’s what you call managing change."

When asked about the potential of two of his budding defenders, Sir Alex offered a glowing appraisal.

"Evans will be a future United centre-half, there’s no question about that," he declared. "He’s 20-years-old and in a few years time his career is absolutely guaranteed.

"Young Rafael is an outstanding talent - he proved that against Aalborg. He’s an attacking player with great belief in himself."

Stars of the future
Fabio da Silva. Defender. Age 18
Rafael da Silva. Defender. Age 18
Jonny Evans. Defender. Age 20
Darron Gibson. Midfielder. Age 20
Rodrigo Possebon. Midfielder. Age 19
Danny Welbeck. Striker. Age 17