Darren Ferguson Explains Bench Role for Ashley Young's Son in FA Cup Tie

Darren Ferguson has explained his decision to bench Tyler Young, the son of former Manchester United and England star Ashley Young, in Doncaster Rovers' FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town.

Young's Limited Role

Young, 22, has featured sparingly for Doncaster this season, making just five appearances in all competitions. He was not included in the starting lineup for the FA Cup clash with Mansfield, despite his father's presence as assistant manager at the club.

Ferguson's Reasoning

Speaking after the game, Ferguson said Young's lack of game time was due to a combination of factors.

"Tyler's not playing as well as he can do," Ferguson explained. "He's been working hard in training, but he's not quite at the level we need him to be."

Competition for Places

Ferguson also cited the intense competition for places in the Doncaster squad.

"We have a lot of good players in the squad, and Tyler's not the only one who's not getting regular game time," he said. "He needs to keep working hard and prove that he deserves a place in the team."

Father-Son Relationship

Ferguson acknowledges that his relationship with Young's father may have influenced some people's perception of the situation.

"I can understand why people might think that I'm not giving Tyler a fair chance because of who his father is," he said. "But I want to assure everyone that this is not the case."

Young's Perspective

Young has not publicly commented on his bench role. However, his father has expressed his support for his son's decision to join Doncaster despite limited playing time.

"Tyler's a great kid, and he's working hard to prove himself," Ashley Young said. "He knows that he needs to earn his place in the team, and he's determined to do that."

Conclusion

Darren Ferguson's decision to bench Tyler Young in the FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town has sparked debate about the challenges facing young players breaking into established teams.

While nepotism can sometimes play a role in football, it is clear that Ferguson is making decisions based on what he believes is best for the team. Young will need to continue working hard and proving his worth if he wants to earn a regular place in the lineup.

Additional Considerations

The issue of young players' playing time is a complex one, with various perspectives:

- Some argue that young players need regular game time to develop their skills and gain experience.
- Others believe that competition for places can help young players improve and learn from more experienced teammates.
- Clubs have a responsibility to balance the needs of young players with the short-term success of the team.