Erik ten Hag lays down the gauntlet for talented Man United trio

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Erik ten Hag has set out a challenge for his three key Manchester United youngsters ahead of the game against Aston Villa.

For Erik ten Hag, this season has been a difficult one for Manchester United with the club being knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage as well as failing to come close to retaining the Carabao Cup trophy.

However, one bright spark from this season has been the club’s utilisation of three key youngsters, with two of them coming from the academy.

Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have been sensational recently whilst Rasmus Hojlund, who had failed to score in the Premier League in 14 attempts, is now on fire.

Ten Hag sets challenge to youngsters

Speaking ahead of United’s game against Aston Villa, the Dutchman has set out the gauntlet for his academy players as they prepare to do battle again with Unai Emery’s side.

“I think they enjoy playing together, there is adventure, they’re a danger,” said the United boss in his pre-Aston Villa press conference.

“They want to do it together and to pass to each other so that everyone can play to their qualities and everyone can score goals. It’s great if they want to do it together because this is the key, then we can have a lot of pleasure from this.

“This club wants to achieve a lot, to win trophies, is very ambitious, so they then have to step up and bring higher levels and consistency. Also against the best opposition, they have to express the same threat and it’s about end product.”

United’s exciting trio

The trio sat together on the advertising hoardings after Garnacho netted the crucial second goal against West Ham and that image of these three young stars sitting together smiling could well be a memorable one.

Ten Hag has been under pressure this campaign but looks to be getting the best out of these talented youngsters at this moment in time, which will keep him in a job.

A win over Emery’s Villa on Sunday at Villa Park would be huge for the team’s confidence and would prove, finally, that they can beat one of the big sides away from home.

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