[GocartMozart]

Fergie advice for Simpson - Manchester United - Football - Sport - Manchester Evening News

time rocket but it was an arm around the shoulder which provided Danny Simpson with the confidence to atone for his recent misery.

The 20-year-old academy graduate is highly rated by Ferguson and was one of the few to come through September's Carling Cup debacle against Coventry with his reputation unscathed.

Yet Simpson might have been expecting to spend an extended spell on the sidelines after his first Barclays Premier League start against Everton last month ended with his exit at half-time, having failed to cope with the threat of Steven Pienaar.

However, while Ferguson is not frightened of delivering a few home truths to his senior stars, as Rio Ferdinand confirmed after the weekend annihilation of the ailing Magpies, the United boss has enough experience to know when a softly-softly approach is required.

And, having assured Simpson one bad performance would not be held against him, Ferguson gained his reward with an excellent 25-minute cameo from the Salford-born defender, which should probably have brought a first senior goal.

"It didn't go too well against Everton but the manager just told me to learn from it," said Simpson.

"In that kind of situation, you can either hide or worker harder to prove you are a Manchester United player.

"It is a test of character and some people do fold. Hopefully, if I get another opportunity, I can do just as well."

Despite renewed interest from Rangers, Ferguson has pledged to keep Simpson at Old Trafford for the remainder of the campaign even though, with skipper Gary Neville returning to full fitness after his ankle injury, and Wes Brown back from suspension for next Saturday's trip to Reading, chances could be limited.

Beneficiary

Yet, with Brown continuing to stall over a new contract, Simpson could be the major beneficiary if the England international decides to leave the Red Devils on a free transfer, as he is entitled to do in the summer.

A lifelong United fan, Simpson can barely disguise the excitement he gets from appearing for the Old Trafford outfit and it would be a major surprise if he was not drafted into Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 squad before the season is out.

Certainly, there cannot be a better education for a young full-back than having to face Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo in training.

Ronaldo in particular is lethal at present and though he is not quite halfway to reaching Denis Law's seasonal best goalscoring tally, on current form, few would bet against the brilliant Portugal winger reaching the Scot's all-time record of 46.

"Sometimes, Cristiano puts in a performance and you think 'he can't get any better than that'. But he does," said Simpson.

"At times, he is simply unplayable and Saturday was one of those occasions. It was all happening so quickly, I didn't even know what the score was at one point."

As Paul Scholes is due to return early next month and fears over a long-term injury to Louis Saha have been played down, United's strength in depth is beginning to look like providing them with a significant edge in the title race, even though Arsenal have marginally the easier run-in.

Victory over Reading - who have held United on three of their five meetings in the past two seasons - would keep Ferguson's men top of the table ahead of a five-day break in Saudi Arabia which the Red Devils boss feels will freshen his team up for the long chase for honours.

He showed something on Saturday. I'm really looking for this kid to step-up because he has the passion and the love for the club (he's from Salford!) and has the talent.

[moley]

he put in a great performance and could of had two goals if luck had been on his side def one to watch in the future.

[GocartMozart]

especially that first chance where he burst into the box, beat onen man, and almost had the ball go off of given. innitially i didn't even know it was him, all i thought it was... "That's Danny Simpson!, NO WAY!"

[funkdoctorspock]

Once Simpson shows some consistency, we'll be better able to assess whether he can start for United in the future.

Right now, he still has a ways to go to prove himself. And I'm sure we won't stop hearing about right backs in the transfer market until he is able to solidify his place in the lineup.

SAF seems to have a knack for nursing youngsters into the first team very well. He really does a good of protecting them and giving out minutes in moments where he feels they will shine.

[lorken]

I reckon he's the long term replacement for Neville. One of my favourite youngsters for sure (along with Piqué).

[CheefRoberts]

He got a good assist in one game, I think against Wigan with a great cross.

[dylangranville]

i dont think we have really seen enough of him to get overly excited about the lad, but he does look to have some promise and appears to pose an attacking threat to opponents.

i hope he does make it, as i tihnk neville is finished.:\

dylan

[CheefRoberts]

I do think we need a new right back, even if Gary Neville comes back soon. We have to look towards the future. Wes Brown is not natural there, even though he hasn't done too badly. O'Shea cannot be referred to as first choice even though he is a great squad player (Mr. Versatile). Simpson is still young and not ready yet. I do not see us signing a quality right back though. The obvious choice for me would be Brazil's Daniel Alves of Seville, who Chelsea were after not long ago before they got Beletti who like Gary Neville isn't the youngest either but has shown his quality this season. And you can't knock a guy who scored against Arsenal in the Champs League final, lol

[dylangranville]

dani alves would be an expensive choice for someone who would only be filling in for simpson (assuming your post implied that simpson would one day be the starting rb)

and it was beletti who scored v arsenal in the cl final, not alves.

i dont have any suggestions to offer however...

dylan