Fergie in awe of Messi potential

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that Lionel Messi’s potential development is ‘frightening’.

The Manchester United manager said players develop considerably in their mid 20s, with Wayne Rooney and former United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo good examples, and highlighted the Argentine star’s age – and what more he can still produce.

The Scot told The Sunday Mirror: “Players develop and start to mature when they reach 25 or so. We’ve seen that with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and others.

“But Messi has not even reached that age yet. It’s frightening what’s going to happen – he’s only 24!”

Meanwhile, United’s Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher has been missing for most of this season with an abdominal problem, but Sir Alex offered an update on his situation.

“Darren is coaching with the reserves and he’s going to start a programme quite soon to get his fitness up,” he said.

“The big push will be pre-season to try and get him back to the level he was at.”