Sir Alex Ferguson believes
Arsenal starlet Theo Walcott must be carefully nurtured to ensure
he fulfils his potential.
The Manchester United boss knows what it takes to turn raw
talent into world-class performers, having consistently churned out
promising youngsters during his 22 years at Old Trafford.
The likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have
become iconic names in English football on the back of the work put
in by Ferguson during their early days.
However, it was Welsh winger Ryan Giggs that was the first to
burst into the spotlight with the Red Devils.
He has gone on to break the club's all-time appearance record,
picking up countless trophies along the way.
It is Giggs that Ferguson believes provides the perfect example
to Walcott of how to behave in order to reach the top.
The United chief believes the Gunners have everything in place
to help the England international's development, and expects the
teenage sensation to illuminate the Premier League for years to
come.
"It's the first time we have a young Englishman who, having
scored a hat-trick against Croatia, will be faced with the same
issues we faced with Ryan," Ferguson told Sky Sports
News.
"Everyone will want a piece of him, agents will fall over
themselves to get to the boy.
"What he requires is one strong manager and Arsenal will give
him that, without question.
"The boy must also have the understanding that what is being
done for him is for his own good.
"Ryan had the understanding and the intelligence to deal with
that, he didn't want the showbiz thing, he didn't want to give
interviews, he just wanted to be a footballer and these will be
important issues for Walcott, because he's got a talent."