From the Times of Malta:
"Having a solid youth set-up is ever so important.
"At United, we recognise the importance of grooming our own players because they give the team an identity. We've seen what the club achieved with the likes of Scholes, the Nevilles, Giggs, Butt, players who all came through the youth system. In the past few seasons, we have also witnessed the emergence of Brown, O'Shea and Fletcher.
"Chelsea have signed many players but their best performer last season was John Terry who was brought up through the youth ranks. These players lead by example."
Ferguson envisages a bright future for a crop of youngsters on the fringes of the first team last season.
"When we know about a promising young player, we go and watch him," Ferguson said.
"At United, we have some interesting players coming through. I think Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi has a great chance of making it. He's small but he did very well last year. Sylvan Blake was also having a very good season alongside Rossi but the lad was unlucky as he broke a leg.
"Spaniard Gerard Pique, Jonathan Spector, the US defender, and David Jones, our reserves captain, have also got a bright chance of becoming part of the first-team squad."
Ferguson was only too willing to impart some of his knowledge to young players in Malta in comments he gave to The Sunday Times.
"The most important thing in the game is commitment," Ferguson said.
"Nowadays, there are too many distractions for young players who can easily be attracted into doing many other different things like computer, nightclubs etc.
"Young players have to work very hard to succeed in football. Reaching top-level football is very difficult and only the best make it.
"Players need to strive to improve their skills and to be able to use both feet. Technique is ever so important in football... the art of mastering the ball.
"You only have to look at Ronaldo (Manchester United's Portuguese player). He's only 18 but it's just unbelievable what he can do with a ball. Ronaldo is a natural-born talent but he has had to work hard to get to this level."