Technical ability is paramount says United scout Ferguson

The sun-drenched five-a-side pitches inside the University precincts served up a familiar sight on Wednesday afternoon.

It was a public holiday and the hot weather was hardly conducive to any football activity but this did not deter young hopefuls at the Zazu Football School from doing what they like to do most... kicking a ball.

Mind you, these enthusiastic children had an extra incentive to give their all in order to convey a good impression as the second part of their training session was watched by a very interesting spectator.

Martin Ferguson, brother of Alex Ferguson, the manager of Manchester United, took some time out of his holidays in Malta to pay a visit to the Zazu Football School.

The lucky boys who had the opportunity to train under the gaze of Ferguson are perhaps too young to appreciate his central role in football but for those entrenched in the game, club officials, players, coaches and agents, the 'boss's brother' is anything but an alien figure.

Ferguson is the European scout of Manchester United. In a nutshell, his job entails scouring the continent to run the rule over potential transfer targets for Manchester United as well as future opponents in European competitions.

His word is literally worth several millions of pounds as Ferguson's detailed analysis of a player's potential often sets the wheels in motion for a transfer bid.

Ferguson was only too willing to impart some of his knowledge to young players in Malta in comments he gave to The Sunday Times.

"The most important thing in the game is commitment," Ferguson said.

"Nowadays, there are too many distractions for young players who can easily be attracted into doing many other different things like computer, nightclubs etc.

"Young players have to work very hard to succeed in football. Reaching top-level football is very difficult and only the best make it.

"Players need to strive to improve their skills and to be able to use both feet. Technique is ever so important in football... the art of mastering the ball.

"You only have to look at Ronaldo (Manchester United's Portuguese player). He's only 18 but it's just unbelievable what he can do with a ball. Ronaldo is a natural-born talent but he has had to work hard to get to this level."

Most of the children begin playing football for fun but the game's evolution into a multi-million pound industry has multiplied the financial benefits for those who manage to fulfil their childhood dreams.

"When we were young, football was just a hobby for us but this is no longer the case," Ferguson remarked.

"The rewards for becoming a football player today are so great."

Youth sector

Manchester United may have the financial muscle to buy the best players but their commitment to the youth sector is still flawless. One of the first things Sir Alex did when taking over at Old Trafford in 1986 was to overhaul the club's youth system.

"Having a solid youth set-up is ever so important," Ferguson remarked. "At United, we recognise the importance of grooming our own players because they give the team an identity. We've seen what the club achieved with the likes of Scholes, the Nevilles, Giggs, Butt, players who all came through the youth system. In the past few seasons, we have also witnessed the emergence of Brown, O'Shea and Fletcher.

"Homegrown players are the heart and soul of the club and every club needs to have them in their squads.

"Chelsea have signed many players but their best performer last season was John Terry who was brought up through the youth ranks. These players lead by example."

Ferguson envisages a bright future for a crop of youngsters on the fringes of the first team last season.

"When we know about a promising young player, we go and watch him," Ferguson said.

"At United, we have some interesting players coming through. I think Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi has a great chance of making it. He's small but he did very well last year. Sylvan Blake was also having a very good season alongside Rossi but the lad was unlucky as he broke a leg.

"Spaniard Gerard Pique, Jonathan Spector, the US defender, and David Jones, our reserves captain, have also got a bright chance of becoming part of the first-team squad."

The subject of new players never ceases to capture the interest of the fans though. Avid followers usually compile their own list of players they would like their favourite club to sign.

Their level of expectancy peaks during the close season when football headlines are dominated by clubs' efforts to strengthen squads.

For the fans it's easy to throw names around but it takes more than just a stunning goal, a solid defensive performance or a galvanic midfield display to convince a club like United to launch a bid for a player.

Just ask Ferguson. My tentative attempt to discover which are the main qualities a scout of a European heavyweight looks for in a player, brought an interesting answer.

"Oh, we look for so many things," Ferguson replied.

"For us, technical ability is the first aspect we look at. Clubs like Arsenal tend to favour pace but for United, technical ability is pivotal.

"Obviously, we also assess the physical condition and character.

"A player's attitude is also taken into consideration... we try to analyse how he plays at home and away, his performances in bad weather, on difficult grounds and so on. It's a thorough process as we try to put together a complete picture. In this field, it's easy to commit mistakes.

"The standards at United are so high and it's not easy for players to come in and do well. An important part of our scouting exercise is deciding whether the player is up to the level expected at Manchester United."

United have made two signings in the close season, Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and Park Ji-Sung, the South Korean midfielder.

"I think they will be useful signings," Ferguson said. "Van der Sar has loads of experience and Park is an energetic midfielder. He has improved 100 per cent with PSV last season."

The United faithful will be keeping fingers crossed that Ferguson's judgment turns out to be precise as the team embarks on a new trek they hope will shoot them back to the forefront of English and Euro football.