Fergie’s fledglings now coming of age

ALEX FERGUSON treats football management as if it were a game of chess and with only a few days until the new season begins, he has already shown he is several moves ahead of the rest.

Manchester United’s performance at Wembley in the Community Shield on Sunday has sparked a flurry of excitement in England after pundits suddenly realised the victory was achieved with a second-half team packed full of young Englishmen who until now have been largely unappreciated.

Danny Welbeck (20), Tom Cleverley (21), Chris Smalling (21) and Phil Jones (19) all impressed in a 3-2 victory over Manchester City with the more experienced Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand also playing their part.