Fergie backs duo to come of age

 
Sir Alex Ferguson hopes the growing maturity of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo will take Manchester United to the title.

The 21-year-olds have been in sparkling form for The Red Devils this season and have played a key role in establishing an eight-point gap over champions Chelsea.

Ferguson had signed the attacking duo as teenagers and believes he is now reaping the rewards from the purchases.

Citing the greater consistency shown by Rooney and Ronaldo, Ferguson backed the youngsters to spearhead United's title challenge.

"If you sign Ronaldo and Rooney, you are talking about the future with years ahead of them," said Ferguson.

"Sometimes you have to take the hit and be patient in terms of young players.

"Sometimes it doesn't come off and sometimes you have to wait because younger players don't bring consistency. But they bring you hope.

"They bring you a dream and you hope that once they reach their potential and mature, you will see those hopes and dreams realised.

"That's what the waiting is for and we have to hope they do that.

"I'm confident they are both showing more maturity than last year and getting more consistency.

"Hopefully that will take us all the way. They are both capable of being world-class players."