United future safe with Rooney and Ronaldo - Ferdinand Saturday February 12, 2005
Wonder boys - Ronaldo and Rooney
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand insists Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead the Old Trafford giants' charge for honours over the next decade.
The young duo have been in outstanding form recently, helping to ease the burden on the old guard of Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
"The future of Manchester United is in safe hands," said Ferdinand ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby.
"In Wayne and Cristiano, you are talking about two of the most exceptional young players in the world, let alone the Premier League."
Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan believes midfielder Joey Barton could play a pivotal role in Sunday's derby clash with United.
With experienced Dutchman Paul Bosvelt suspended, Keegan is looking to 22-year-old Barton to rise to the occasion.
"Paul is a good influence on Joey," Keegan told www.mcfc.co.uk. "Instead of looking as if they were going to be fighting for the same place in the starting line-up, in the main they have been in the same team.
"Paul's experience is invaluable for a young player."
City entertain Sir Alex Ferguson's side buoyed by the goalless draw against league leaders Chelsea last weekend.
Steve McManaman could be handed a rare start or Jon Macken could start alongside Robbie Fowler with a four-man midfield.
