Ferguson's ability to choose exactly the right time to introduce young talent has been one of the hallmarks of his trophy-strewn 26-year tenure at Old Trafford. Two decades ago, it was Ryan Giggs being given his chance, then the remainder of the Class of 92, speeding up a production line that in later years flipped out Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Now it is the likes of Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and brilliant Brazilian full-back Rafael who Ferguson is keen to see develop, not all home-grown products, but all finished in the United way in an effort to keep the Red Devils amongst the title contenders despite not having limitless funds to invest. "The long term is the thing you should talk about," said Ferguson. "Our judgement has been good in terms of scouting for young players. "The different sections of the Academy have all contributed in identifying and making the assessment necessary for us to go and get them and they all definitely have good futures here." Certainly in Evans and Smalling, Ferguson feels he is secure in the central defensive positions when Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are no longer at Old Trafford. "They are the best two young centre-backs in the country," he said. "I have no doubt in my mind about that. They have been absolutely outstanding." And then there is Rafael, whose attacking instincts have occasionally been let down by an impetuous streak that he now appears to have tempered in a bid to become more effective to the United cause. "The thing about Rafael is that he's not making any rash decisions," said Ferguson. "He was quite an impulsive young boy last season. "Against AC Milan away, he over-ran the ball in the middle of the pitch, which gave them their second goal and allowed them to make a game of it. "Then, against Bayern Munich he had a slight tug on the player and got sent off. "But that is the kind of thing we invest in and we are getting that return now because his form this season has been absolutely brilliant. "He has learned. His concentration levels have improved. "He's only 20, just a young boy. You don't expect young defenders to be really consistent the way he has been this season." Rafael will have to be on his guard on Sunday though, as he will be in direct confrontation with Tottenham danger man Gareth Bale. Ferguson has admired Bale since the Welshman was a teenager, bidding for his services whilst the wide man was still at Southampton, only to be rejected. "We tried to sign him as a 16 or 17-year-old boy," reflected the United chief. "Southampton had a Scottish chief executive and George Burley was the manager. "I don't know the full circumstances but they didn't accept our offer and I think they must have alerted Tottenham." It has proved to be a major gain for Tottenham, although not before Bale was switched from a full-back to an orthodox wide player, the high point coming against Inter Milan at the San Siro in October when he scored a sensational hat-trick. "Bale has made the best contribution without a doubt," said Ferguson. "Eleven goals for a wide player is a really good return."
