During the past five years how many youth players have we signed? And how many of them have walked into the first team, leave alone left us raving? Only Kiko, and that too, just one match.
Buying only youth/unproven talent is not very prudent. We need a mix of youth and stars.
You can't think about it like that. Five years ago for example there were less question marks. Players like Giggs, Scholes etc were five years younger. We will always buy but we're not dumb enough to ignore who we already have and when they're ready, they'll get their chance. Promoting youth is a big part of the club and yes we can spend money - but we have to be realistic for now unless something gets done about the mega rich business people
We shouldn't face stiff competition from chelsea or city but we do because of the money they have. It's getting harder but there are benefits to bringing through the youth and it might take a year and it might take two but the wages are less and the quality is there - experience, strength will come and it will be players certainly with mental strength who will be given opportunities on top of ability.
Looking at the youth, I think most people that follow it are pretty optimistic with who we have coming through. Why not? I imagine someone like Cleverly has bags of confidence and at 21 if your lucky you could be talking about a player who will be loyal (we assume), who wants to play for United, who is progressing and I know it's arrogent but I think from midfield/forward Cleverly/Morrison/Tunnicliffe and William Keane will be future England Internationals.
IF they develop as they should. People should be excited by the potential and hope that they listen to the right people