Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to let young defender Jonathan Spector leave Manchester United on loan after the festive period.
The 18-year-old American has been hugely impressive since joining the Old Trafford outfit last year, making first senior start at Blackburn in August, since when he has made another four first-team appearances.
However, with Gabriel Heinze, John O'Shea, Phil Neville and the injured Quinton Fortune all capable of playing in Spector's favoured left-back berth, Ferguson has confirmed he will consider a suitable loan move for the teenager.
"We are looking at letting Jonathan go out on loan in the next couple of weeks," Ferguson told Manchester United Radio.
"We feel he is the type that needs that challenge now. He is very close to first-team level and the challenge of going out on loan will test him and bring him on that bit further."
Ferguson has never been afraid to let his young stars learn part of their trade outside Old Trafford's hallowed halls.
David Beckham spent time at Preston during the early stages on his career, while more recently, O'Shea was loaned out to Bournemouth and Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp before making the grade with United.
"It's part of their football education," said Ferguson.
"I have always found when a player comes back having been out on loan, they are mentally and physically stronger.
"If they go to clubs that are maybe not doing that well, it gives them an insight into life away from Old Trafford, because everything is luxury here."
Ferguson currently has keeper Luke Steele and striker Eddie Johnson on loan at Coventry but recently turned down a series of requests from Walsall boss Paul Merson for Kieran Richardson, Chris Eagles and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake to spend a short time at the Bescot Stadium.
I think he would be a good player to take on loan, till the end of the season....push Stewart left midfield until Tiatto's return.
The 18-year-old American has been hugely impressive since joining the Old Trafford outfit last year, making first senior start at Blackburn in August, since when he has made another four first-team appearances.
However, with Gabriel Heinze, John O'Shea, Phil Neville and the injured Quinton Fortune all capable of playing in Spector's favoured left-back berth, Ferguson has confirmed he will consider a suitable loan move for the teenager.
"We are looking at letting Jonathan go out on loan in the next couple of weeks," Ferguson told Manchester United Radio.
"We feel he is the type that needs that challenge now. He is very close to first-team level and the challenge of going out on loan will test him and bring him on that bit further."
Ferguson has never been afraid to let his young stars learn part of their trade outside Old Trafford's hallowed halls.
David Beckham spent time at Preston during the early stages on his career, while more recently, O'Shea was loaned out to Bournemouth and Belgian feeder club Royal Antwerp before making the grade with United.
"It's part of their football education," said Ferguson.
"I have always found when a player comes back having been out on loan, they are mentally and physically stronger.
"If they go to clubs that are maybe not doing that well, it gives them an insight into life away from Old Trafford, because everything is luxury here."
Ferguson currently has keeper Luke Steele and striker Eddie Johnson on loan at Coventry but recently turned down a series of requests from Walsall boss Paul Merson for Kieran Richardson, Chris Eagles and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake to spend a short time at the Bescot Stadium.
I think he would be a good player to take on loan, till the end of the season....push Stewart left midfield until Tiatto's return.
