Twinning Mentality the Future Foundations

THE FA CUP quarter final gave the nation a glimpse at Manchester United's future. Rafael and Fabio da Silva. At just 20-years-old, the Brazilian twins are two of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League. But it feels like they have been around for years.

Scouted from Fluminense, who also produced Real Madrid left-back Marcelo, the twins have made a name for themselves at one of the highest levels of football, with both claiming honours in their three years at Old Trafford.

The watchful eye of Sir Alex Ferguson has enabled the nimble full-backs to be nurtured by senior squad members, with Gary Neville and Patrice Evra the perfect role models for aspiring, young footballers.

Ferguson is building the foundations for another fantastic squad - just like he had during the days of Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce and David Beckham.

Chris Smalling is another rising young star. His performances in his last few games have been fantastic, he too is being nurtured by senior squad members Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

We all know that Fergie is no mug when it comes to transfers - Eric Djemba-Djemba and Kleberson aside - and he has unearthed some real gems in the shape of Smalling, the Silva twins and fellow South American Javier Hernandez, who has been a revelation for the Red Devils this season.

England striker Wayne Rooney's constant misfiring this term has meant that Chicharito has been the main man for United this and boy has he stepped up to the plate. I have lost count of the amount of crucial goals the Mexican has popped up with this season.

Lots of people are saying that there is no future for United, but I have to disagree. Yes, the veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will soon be leaving the Premier League. The only question is whether it will be at the end of this season like Edwin van der Sar.

But despite the spine of the team being ripped out through old age, there is some incredibly bright talent waiting in the wings to become the new Stretford End heroes.

There have been rumours floating around for months that there will be a huge clear out at Old Trafford, with Fergie getting rid of anyone he considers to be 'dead wood'. The Scot needs some talent in the engine room if they are going to continue to challenge for major honours. It is quite clear that Darron Gibson, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher are not the key to success.

If van der Sar can be replaced, Sir Alex needs to secure the signatures of exciting, young midfielders. If he can do this, the Red Devils will continue challenging at the highest levels.