Ferguson: United Close to '3rd Generation'

During an 18 year spell with Manchester United, Ferguson has already grown and matured 2 whole generations of youth that have proven a major success.

The likes of Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs will, in a few years time, be looking to retire and will be replaced with the likes of Paul McShane and Ritchie Jones - who are cutting it at youth and reserve level.

"I always say to Brian McClair (U19 coach), Ricky Sbragia (reserve coach) and Francisco Filho (youth coach): tell me when you've got a player that is ready to step up." said Ferguson.

He continuted: "And we'd take him in to our first team training. That way we can give him a taste of training with the first team but also have a look at him."

"We have several young players who are approaching that level. Ritchie Jones is doing very well, young Giuseppe Rossi and Gerard Pique and Floribert N'Galula."

"They are players that are improving quite rapidly. There is also young defender Paul McShane doing well. We've got a good collection of young lads actually."

ManUtdWeb's Young Players to Watch - David Hobbs assess the top up-and-coming youngsters with a brief profile.

Goalkeepers: Luke Steele, currently gaining experience on-loan with Coventry, is arguably the most highly-regarded youth goalkeeper at Old Trafford and is tipped to be No.1 someday. Tom Heaton is also showing signs of potential.

Defenders: Irishman Paul McShane and United's Young Player of the Year Jon Spector lead the may in terms of potential in the defensive department. Gerard Pique, a recruit from Barcelona, is also one to watch and so too is Phil Bardsley.

Midfielders: United are famous for producing house-hold names in the midfield department. David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are some of them. As for today, Belgian Flo N'Galula, Chris Eagles, Giuseppe Rossi, Mark Neumayer, Lee Martin and Ritchie Jones are all progessing.

Strikers: Welshman Ramon Calliste was tipped for first team opportunities last year and will no doubt be featuring soon. Eddie Johnson and Kenny Cooper are both out on-loan.