Fergie warns Walcott

United boss tells youngster to follow the Giggs' lead

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 18th September 2008

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Walcott: Hot prospect

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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.

Intelligence

"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."