Beardsmore Offers Advice For Youngsters

Russell Beardsmore was one of the original crop of 'Fergie Fledglings' who were given a first-team chance by Sir Alex in the late 1980s.

The former winger will be back at Old Trafford on Sunday 14 June, representing the Legends against Bayern Munich's All-Stars, and keeps a close eye on events at United by combining his role working with the community at newly-promoted Bournemouth with hospitality appearances at the Theatre of Dreams.

The 46-year-old, fondly remembered for terrorising Liverpool in a 3-1 victory back in 1989, appreciates it is difficult for youngsters to make the breakthrough in the modern era but his message is simple: Any opportunities must be grasped with both hands.

"I think the fans like to see local lads or players who have been there a few years coming through," he told ManUtd.com. "Like anything else, if they are good enough, I’m sure they will get a chance. I’m not being funny but I wouldn’t like to try working my way into a first team at a top club now. It is so much more difficult as the young guys are not just homegrown but signed from all over the world. So it gets harder and harder.

"We’ll wait and see but hopefully a couple of lads will get a chance. Some have been mentioned by our boys who I work with at Bournemouth because they know them and they say there are a couple of really good ones there at United. It’s just a matter of getting a chance and taking it if you can. You don’t get many so you have to take it first time maybe and work your way into the team.

"Going on tour should be a great experience for a few of them and, when you start going on trips with the first team, you feel part of it and then just need a lucky break sometimes as well to get in the side and make your debut. You don’t realise how vital a debut is at top clubs, obviously if it doesn’t go well. I know people who have had one game against United for other clubs and never played again. If you have a steady debut in whatever position you play in, you give the manager something to think about."

James Wilson will hope for more opportunities to show his striking prowess after making two league starts in 2014/15 and he continues to be highly regarded by those behind the scenes at the club.

"For every young guy coming in against an established guy, if you’re a centre-forward and don’t score for two or three games, it’s a lot easier to keep the younger guy out than the senior player with a proven scoring record," explained Beardsmore. "That’s just life. But, speaking to Clayton Blackmore when I’ve worked with him doing the hospitality at Old Trafford, he said Wilson is one of the best finishers he has ever seen at this club in his time so I’m hoping he gets in and proves himself."

Credit: manutd.com