There are way too many people on here who disregard any player who isn't an instant success, both new signings and youth - who basically with the exception of the likes of Rooney and Owen are never an instant success. People have strange expectations and seem to not understand the realities of football.
There is a reason why our youth players last until abut 24/25 before we decide if they wont be making it. Look at Tom Carroll, he is 24 year's old and has never really done anything for us of any significance. But we have waited in case he does because he has potential. He is reaching that point where he is probably going to be sold to a lesser club as he has not reached that level he needs to to play for us in any serious way and time for development is running out.
Players develop at different rates, luck also plays a part. We always have to give players time, especially youth. In the case of youth, we have invested years in their development, what we can sell them for age 20 is likely the same as we can sell them for age 25 if they don't work out, yet if they do turn the corner and become good then we have done the right thing and ended up with a good player.
After age 25 it is unlikely the player is going to develop enough to reach that next level that we need them to. Till then, we have to be patient. Righting off any player age 19/20/21 is just not the way to do things.
