Eric Harrison knows his stuff when it comes to developing youth players.
Firm but fair, the players that have flourished under him reads like a who’s who of football with Mark Hughes, Wes Brown and the class of ’92 amongst his best work.
With such a keen eye for talented youngsters, 2 of United’s current crop, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, have caught his eye and he is predicting big things for them particularly Cleverley.
Speaking on the two talented players to the MEN, Harrison remarked,
“They are special, very special, no question about it.
“Regarding Welbeck, I’m highly impressed. Steve Bruce has done an excellent job with him at Sunderland. The boy seems to have picked up more speed and holds the ball up well.
“He’s a gem and it’s a massive bonus to the club and the fans that he’s born in Longsight. Everyone loves a local lad coming through. The Class of ‘92 were all local apart from David but he just loves United.
“Regarding Tom Cleverley, I’ve been saying to any United supporter who wants to listen for three or four years that this lad is really, really good, very special just like Welbeck, no question about it. If he had been in that Class of ‘92 he’d have come through just like those lads did.
“Tom is a steady kind of kid who listens and learns – he can get to the very top as a player.
“He’s not like Scholes in controlling the tempo of a game, opening everything up and shooting on sight. He’s more like a Barcelona player, quick with his one-twos.
“He is great taking up positions in space and works ever so well with Rooney. If he doesn’t make it big at United and England I’ll jump in the Manchester Ship Canal.”
If anyone needed any convincing that we don’t need a new midfielder signed, then just see what Eric Harrison thinks about Tom Cleverley. Harrison knows about young footballers and his belief in Cleverley is fantastic. He is a young player but his determination and hunger deserves a reward. He will get better the more games he plays but needs a chance.
He is 22 now and has done is apprentice out on loan with Leicester, Watford and Wigan. Other young players would have been down hearted by being loaned out three times, but Cleverely knew it was all part of the plan to get him to this point. He kept coming back for pre-season and impressing. He is for all intent and purposes a Manchester United type player.
Its difficult because the fans want a Sneijder signed because he is world class and exciting. However his signing would only block Cleverley progress and stop him from getting 40+ games this season. Ajax gave Sneijder a chance and that’s why he is a top player today. If we give Cleverley a chance he can become a top class midfielder as well. Also he is a player with Man Utd in his heart, so there is loyalty and commitment for the next 10 years.
spot on Adam..completely agree with you and about ajax giving Sneijder the chance at a young age..Cleverley is in the process of becoming a great player and Man u runs in his veins…
cheers
Very level headed comments and a top top post.
Good article and great comment adam. I reccomend you guys read this article also. Its a little insight into our future.
http://www.stretford-end.com/2011/08/larnell-cole-player-profile.
Finely written piece from Herzog’s Child. Read it yesterday and I agree, Cole is very under rated when it comes to the players here. Him and Lingard are tiny but full of heart and spirit!
Don’t forget about Pogba either !!!
Indeed. We must not forget Paul Pogba. It is equally important that Pogba’s progress is not blocked. This kid is gonna be an outstanding player for United. The only way I would be happy if we bought Sneijder would be if we sold Michael Carrick. Otherwise any midfielder signings would just block the progress of the youngsters
If we can bring sneijder then I believe this young team can benefit. Remember eric cantina being an influence in beckham, schole and the rest. Youth needs to be guided to reach greatness.
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