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Sir Alex Ferguson will be casting his eye over the Manchester United youth team tonight in their FA Youth Cup fourth round clash with Manchester City, hoping to find the next crop of stars to build his team around.
From the Busby Babes to Fergie's Fledglings and the Class of '92, United have often managed to unearth groups of youngsters who have the ability to make an impact at the highest level, and Ferguson will be looking out for some more as Brian McClair's side take on their local rivals.
"Manchester United has always placed great importance on young players," said Ferguson. "Matt Busby started it and as long as I am here it won't change.
"The great beauty about this club is that we give young players a chance. If we get to the level we expect them to reach, it is all there for them. The youth team we have here at the moment has great potential and I believe we are still getting through the talent I want."
Looking forward to the youngsters' derby clash, Ferguson said: "It should be an exciting game and hopefully we will get a good crowd. The competition is a great platform for young players and I'm sure City will bring a few fans."
The likes of Chris Eagles and Phil Bardsley have already been given their first taste of the real thing in the Carling Cup so far this season, but will be eager to impress the watching manager tonight, especially against local rivals City.
Ferguson will be paying particular attention to the performance of Lee Martin, the youngster signed from Wimbledon last month, and coach Brian McClair is confident that he will make a big impression in his first major public appearance for United.
"Lee is a nice, quiet, confident lad," said McClair. "He was watched on numerous occasions before we invited him up here for a two-week trial and he showed enough potential then to persuade the manager to pay a fee for him.
"We took him with us on a short tour to Italy last week because it gave him a chance to spend time with the squad."
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