Alex: Rossi is United's future

Sir Alex Ferguson says he will hand more first team chances to Giuseppe Rossi.

Sir Alex Ferguson says he cannot hold Giuseppe Rossi back any longer because the ex-Parma prodigy is the future of Manchester United.

The talented teenager has built up a formidable reputation with his impressive work in the reserves and was man of the match in his last outing for the first team in the FA Cup win over Burton Albion.

With Louis Saha handed a chance at the expense of Ruud van Nistelrooy in last weekend's Carling Cup final, Ferguson has confirmed that Rossi will also be granted opportunities as the season draws to a close.

"I hope to give Giuseppe Rossi more chances because he's the future of the club," Ferguson told United magazine. "A sensational prospect and we want to encourage him.

"He's always had ability but he has become stronger mentally and physically. He's growing into a terrific professional with a great attitude.

"He's trained with the first team all season and he's travelled with us to every game.

"So we're preparing him for the step up when it arrives."

Ferguson has also promised to be cautious about Paul Scholes's return from an eye problem, refusing to rush the midfielder back into action this term.

"He's coming on," the Scot told Sky Sports News. "There was a good improvement in him.

"So the prospects are more positive for when he will be back. He came into training the other day and did a little bit, which was good to see.

"We're not rushing him. We're happy if he misses the rest of the season as long as he's back for next season.

"We'd be delighted with that and I've not changed my view on it.

"I'd be delighted with that."