'Patience key to United youth policy'

[Shola Sholaz]

Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United are reaping the benefit of showing patience with the club's young, developing players.
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Goalscorer Danny Welbeck, defender Jonny Evans and, in particular, young Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea were all outstanding performers in United's impressive 1-1 Champions League draw at Real Madrid in midweek.
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The trio have developed into key members of a squad that has the slight upper hand in their last 16 European tie - with a second leg to come at Old Trafford - possesses a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League and faces Reading in the last 16 of the FA Cup on Monday.
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"We are patient with young players," United manager Ferguson explained Friday. "We were patient with Tom Cleverley, sent him on loan on four different occasions until he matured and now he is an important member of the squad.
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"I think you have to show patience. If you think they have the ability, then wait for that."