Scott Wootton and Davide Petrucci off to Peterborough United on loan

The loan moves continue for Manchester United players as the latest news is that Scott Wootton and Davide Petrucci are headed off to Peterborough United on loan. Wootton has made 11 appearances already for The Posh during a previous loan spell during the 2011/12 season and he will joining them again until season's end. Darren Ferguson, manager of the club and son of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, had this to say about the defender:

"Scott was very unfortunate last time he was here because Ryan Bennett and Gabriel Zakuani struck up such a good partnership, but this time, I am looking for him to be a regular starter. He has played in a three-man defensive line before and he is very comfortable in any of those positions. I am really pleased to get him, he has been a big part of the squad at United and they think very highly of him. We have got him until the end of the season. It is an area I wanted another body in because obviously Gabriel is away with the African Cup of Nations."

- Darren Ferguson | Source: theposh.com

Petrucci's move, for now, is only until February 9. Here is what Ferguson had to say about the midfielder:

"Davide is a very good footballer, is a good size and this is his first loan move, so that is why it is only for a month but, between the two of us, I am sure we can extend it to the end of the season if it works out for all parties. He can play anywhere in midfield, he can play off the front and he could play in a sitting role. He is a very talented boy and we will just find the right position for him. Lee Tomlin is obviously suspended, I have young Jaanai Gordon who has impressed, but I think Davide can play in that one off the front row. We need bodies in, I spoke to my Dad about Davide for a couple of weeks and there was other clubs in for him so we are delighted to get him to the football club. My Dad was happy for him and Scott Wootton to join and they will go into the squad for Saturday."

- Darren Ferguson

On the surface, these look like good deals. Wootton has a bit of first-team experience at United but he's well behind Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, and Phil Jones in the pecking order at center-back. Even midfielder Michael Carrick has been preferred over the 21-year-old this season. Hopefully Wootton gets regular playing time with The Posh as this should further allow United to evaluate whether or not the youngster possesses the talent to make it at United. At the very least, hopefully he can develop enough to where he can at least be sold to another club if United don't deem him good enough. Good luck to both Scott and Davide.