Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed why he would always trust young players at Manchester United – something which has continued to set him apart from other legendary Premier League head coaches.
Manchester United and academy graduates go hand in hand, and nobody understood that better than Sir Alex Ferguson during his 26-year career at Old Trafford.
You will do well to find a manager who has given more debuts to young players than Ferguson did during his time at United, and many of them have gone on to great success, including those who left the club.
Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford are the standout academy graduates in the current first-team squad, though Shea Lacey and the Fletcher twins are knocking on the door for more first-team minutes. Dean Henderson and Scott McTominay are two examples of academy graduates who impressed at Manchester United before shining even further when given a more important role at another club.
The trust in the academy dates back to the 1930s and through difficult periods like Munich and relegation, but Ferguson kept the tradition alive, and he has now revealed how.
Ferguson reveals why he could always trust young players
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, where the legendary head coach discussed his upcoming book, Ferguson reflected on his time at Manchester United and why he gave so many young players an opportunity.
"I had belief in young people because if you give them an opportunity there are two things that happen," he said. "They become real stars and they can remain loyal to you as a manager."
Manchester United has plenty of examples of those types of players. For the stars, you think of the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes, while players like Phil Neville, John O'Shea, and even Tom Cleverley played key roles for United across different eras.
Those principles continue to live on at Manchester United, with Michael Carrick handing Tyler Fletcher his debut last term, before the youngster was drafted into the Scotland World Cup squad to replace Billy Gilmour.
Lacey is another Carrick is beginning to show faith in, and the Liverpudlian repaid him with his first senior goal on his first senior start against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
Should Lacey start vs Tottenham?
Bryan Mbeumo has started from the right flank in the Premier League this season, with Amad injured since the opening match, but Lacey could be given his first Premier League start against Roberto De Zerbi's side.
Roundtable has revealed that Amad is back in training and has been involved in team sessions, but Carrick may favour Shea Lacey, given he has been fit and available all season and is in good form.
Lacey scored for England U20s earlier in the break, while playing alongside Ayden Heaven, Jack Fletcher and Jim Thwaites, building on the momentum from his Brighton performance.
Diogo Dalot's international form is a good sign for Mbeumo, but Lacey could yet be given a chance.
