“If he doesn’t make it big I’ll jump into Manchester Ship Canal!”
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.”