The Republic of Ireland striker has established himself as one of the most electrifying prospects on the planet since breaking into the Brighton team
Evan Ferguson could have more than a few people squirming in their seats at Old Trafford if he takes to the field against Manchester United on Saturday.
Beard spent three years coaching Ferguson in the Seagulls' academy. The youngster was just 14 years old when Beard was informed that he would be training with Brighton's Under-18s. Naturally, he had some reservations. Speaking to Mirror Football, Beard recalls: "I remember asking: 'Will he be alright physically?' Then I was told: 'You'll know what I mean when you see him'. When I did see him, it was like, wow. I get it.
Beard adds: "People used to ask how he'd do when he was playing against players who were similar to him size-wise. They can catch up in terms of size, but technically he's on another level. He's not a player who just relies on pure physicality; he was 14 and he was handling 18-year-olds." In some ways, the furore that has surrounded Ferguson ever since that match has still yet to cease. It wasn't long before the big guns came calling, but Brighton had an ace up their sleeve: Morling.
The Red Devils passed on the opportunity to test Tottenham's resolve for Harry Kane this summer, but Beard can see marked similarities between the England captain and his former striking prodigy.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ferguson injury update: De Zerbi on striker's fitness ahead of Utd v BrightonThe Seagulls travel to Old Trafford for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday
Read more »
Ferguson could face Man United, as Brighton post pics of striker in trainingEvan Ferguson missed Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and the Netherlands with a knee injury.
Read more »
'I played for Man Utd and faced Pirlo but swapped football for psychology'Johnny Gorman played at international level against Andrea Pirlo and featured in the Premier League for Wolves - after leaving Man Utd - but hung up his boots for a psychology career
Read more »
Jadon Sancho's true feelings on Man Utd future emerge after Erik ten Hag bust-upThe saga involving Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag shows no signs of slowing down, with the 23-year-old winger considering his options after being ordered to train alone
Read more »
Ten Hag says he had no choice but to discipline Sancho after Man Utd bust-upManchester United manager Erik ten Hag didn't offer too much in the way of a Jadon Sancho update, but did hint that a decision had to be made following his conduct
Read more »
Klopp's Liverpool exit rumours complicated by ex-Man Utd boss as agent speaksLiverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been touted as the dream successor to ex-Germany boss Hansi Flick, but Louis van Gaal has emerged as a surprise contender for the role
Read more »