The Young Debate – why Ferguson shouldn’t apologise for his decision

Last night’s FA Cup Third Round clash between Everton and Peterborough United at Goodison Park presented a unique opportunity, as Everton defender Ashley Young had the chance to face his 18-year-old son, Tyler Young, who plays for the League One outfit.

When Ashley replaced Nathan Patterson 17 minutes from time, there was the potential for a father-son moment that would’ve undoubtedly made national headlines. However, Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson decided not to bring the young Posh defender off the bench. The decision sparked a flood of debate and discontent among supporters and media alike, many of whom felt Ferguson missed an opportunity to create a magical FA Cup moment.

But why should Ferguson have to defend his decision? After all, he’s a football manager trying to win a game, not entertain sentimental narratives.

Trailing 1-0 to Beto’s 42nd-minute strike, Ferguson rightly turned to senior attacking options on the bench. He introduced striker Gustav Lindgren at half-time, and forwards Abraham Odoh and Malik Mothersille midway through the second half to bolster the League One side’s attacking impetus. Some may point out that Ferguson also opted for defender Oscar Willen and midfielder Ryan de Havilland instead of Young. However, these are players who have featured 23 and 17 times this season, respectively, compared to Young’s sole 27-minute cameo in an EFL Trophy tie against Stevenage in October.

Ferguson defended his decision to the media by explaining that the game’s scoreline and competitive nature had to take precedence over emotional storylines. In his post-match press conference, the Scotsman expressed, “If the game had been 2-0 at that point, I would’ve put him on, but at 1-0, I had to get a forward on.” By the time Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye converted his 97th-minute penalty to put the game beyond reasonable doubt, Ferguson had used all five substitutes. Even then, Young would’ve only been introduced for a matter of seconds.

In other words, Ferguson’s job is to manage a football club with a focus on winning football matches, not to indulge in the romanticism of family connections. Football is a results-driven business, with managers employed to make tactical decisions to improve their team’s chances of success. Would Peterborough fans have been satisfied if a vastly inexperienced defender was introduced when chasing a goal away to Premier League opposition, instead of a more experienced attacking option? I think not.

While the concept of a father and son facing off on the pitch is undoubtedly a great story, it should happen naturally on merit, instead of a manager having to make changes to his side to fit a narrative. Ferguson’s sole aim was to guide Peterborough to an equaliser, and thus improving the chances of progression in the FA Cup. The idea that Ferguson should’ve put sentimentality over the team’s needs is both unrealistic and totally unfair.

Father Ashley was understandably disappointed and expressed his feelings on social media, posting, “GUTTED……” on X. Of course, this would have been a lovely moment that encapsulates football and the joy it brings to players and the wider world alike. However, as Ferguson rightly mentioned, “We are not a charity case.” The Peterborough manager also pointed out that an Everton player, “had a pop at me.” It’s clear that for many, football was secondary last night.

Ferguson’s decision highlights the immense complexities of being a football manager. It’s so easy for fans and the media to criticise from the outside looking in, but a manager’s number one responsibility is his team and their performance. The competitive nature of knockout football means that these kinds of moments, while emotionally satisfying, are secondary to the game and the desire to get a result. If Young had been introduced, it would’ve undermined Ferguson’s chances of his side winning the game, something that no manager should ever do.

While the missed opportunity was unfortunate for those who hoped to see a father and son go head-to-head in a competitive environment, Ferguson’s decision should not warrant an apology. He made the right call in focusing on his team’s needs and offered a stark reminder that in the world of football, results come before any sentimental success story.