Erik ten Hag is entering one of the most important weeks of his Manchester United career.
The Dutchman is under huge pressure after Sunday’s miserable 3-0 defeat to Tottenham extended Manchester United’s underwhelming start to the season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given Ten Hag two games to turn things around, starting with Thursday’s Europa League clash against Porto.
After beginning the European campaign with a drab draw to Twente, United will be looking to bounce back and Erik ten Hag‘s future could hinge on the result.
Kobbie Mainoo appeared to suffer a hamstring injury in the Spurs defeat, but United have been handed a selection boost with the teenager spotted back in training ahead of Thursday’s trip.
Harry Maguire was also absent on Sunday, but has returned to training and will be available against Porto.
Interestingly, Ten Hag has also called up an academy star who is yet to make a senior Manchester United appearance.
Jack Fletcher spotted in Man United first-team training
The Manchester Evening News named all 25 Manchester United players spotted in first-team training on Wednesday ahead of the Porto trip.
They claim that Mason Mount is a doubt despite the United midfielder claiming he was okay after his head injury against Spurs.
But perhaps the standout name on the list is academy star Jack Fletcher, who joined training alongside fellow Carrington graduate Toby Collyer.
The son of United coach Darren Fletcher is yet to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils but has been mightily impressive in the youth ranks.
Fletcher was recently nominated for the PL2 Player of the Month award after shining with the Under-21 side.
He netted three goals and two assists making it five goal contributions in only three matches. It is hardly a surprise that it has caught the eye of Ten Hag and his coaching staff.
Erik ten Hag continues to show faith in youth
Even during a week where his job is under immense pressure, Ten Hag has continued to show faith in United’s academy.
There can be plenty of criticisms about his time as United manager, but one area where he has excelled is progressing young talent.
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Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo have played their best football under Ten Hag and he also unearthed Mainoo from the academy and integrated him into the first team.
Collyer has also been given his chance to impress this season and could be involved again vs Porto. Fletcher now seems to be the next young star on Ten Hag’s radar, and it is only a matter of time until he also breaks through.
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