SOLSKJAER: UNITED CAN PRODUCE TALENT
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Manchester United are still capable of rearing their own top-class talent.
Since the famed 'class of 92' there has been a shortage of home-grown produce on the Old Trafford conveyor belt, even though Sir Alex Ferguson has maintained a commitment to giving youth a chance.
As coach to Manchester United's reserve team, it is now Solskjaer's responsibility to hone the talent United have at their disposal.
And the Norwegian denies it is now too hard for Manchester-born youngsters to make it through the ranks.
"It is hard and maybe over the years not too many have made it through," he observed.
"But Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher came through the system, while Gerard Pique and Giuseppe Rossi also played for the first team before leaving for big clubs abroad, so it proves there is still a chance.
"If they are good enough, they will get an opportunity here. If they are not but learn the right habits, they will still have a good career somewhere else."
Lessons provided by Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville are drilled into the United youngsters every day of their lives, not just in ability and dedication but smaller stuff such as punctuality.
News that three United youngsters are jetting out to South Africa in order to join the first-team squad on their pre-season tour provides another timely reminder of the benefits a career at Old Trafford can offer.
However, Solskjaer is aware progression needs to be monitored closely so stagnation does not set in.
On Tuesday night Sir Alex Ferguson spoke of the need for Lee Martin and Chris Eagles to play regular first-team football, which surely must come away from the Red Devils.
"I have had a couple of chats with the manager about who is going to go out on loan because you don't want people in theserve team year after year," said Solskjaer.
"Maybe after one year they are ready to go somewhere else.
"You don't want to stay in the reserves for ever because the boat is starting to sink."
It provides reasons for optimism at Hull, where Frazier Campbell was so successful last term, and maybe Sunderland, who would definitely be interested if Jonny Evans came on the market.
Danny Simpson and Darron Gibson are others who may move on too, although for the moment, Solskjaer is happy with the under-19s that will form the bulk of his squad for Saturday's trip to Oxford.
After that the 1999 European Cup hero can concentrate on a 20-minute cameo in his testimonial against Espanyol at Old Trafford on August 2.
In an era where honouring highly-paid football stars seems pointless, Solskjaer is the exception.
Typically, he gave a group of children an afternoon to remember this week, providing coaching sessions for young relatives of cancer victims through United's link with Christie's Hospital.
"We all know how horrible cancer is and how it has touched so many lives," he said.
"Around the time I had my knee injuries, a very close friend was diagnosed with it and it just put my situation into perspective. My career meant nothing alongside someone's life.
"With the right treatment and a positive attitude, anything can be achieved. That is why I try to do what I can."
http://www.sportinglife.com/footbal...CER_Man_Utd_Solskjaer.html&TEAMHD=premiership
Let's hope that Ole can help reinvigorate the youth system a bit, there is the talent there for certain.
