Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was renowned for developing youth players during his time at Ajax.
In just a few months at United, Ten Hag has continued to show this trait, giving a debut to Charlie McNeill and a first start to Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho has started three games in total including the last two successive matches, and scored Manchester United’s winner away at Real Sociedad.
Ten Hag is not into giving chances away nominally, just for the sake of it. He says the young players must earn their opportunities like any other player.
Garnacho’s impressive training performances led to first team call-up
Speaking to his press conference ahead of the Aston Villa game, Ten Hag explained that Alejandro Garnacho forced his way into his plans, with good work behind the scenes at Carrington.
Ten Hag told the club website: “I am open to bringing in young players and you have seen the last couple of games we have brought in Alejandro Garnacho because he deserved it through his performances on the training pitch. If players deserve it and they can contribute to our success, we will bring them in.
“I’m also open to other players and Manchester United have a big reputation in bringing up young players through the Academy into the first team. So I’m really one who will back that process.”
Ten Hag has involved Zidane Iqbal in his squads throughout the season so far after he impressed in pre-season, and he could have some role in the Carabao Cup tie tonight.
Garnacho is in an odd position where he could actually be rested as a starter, with opportunities given to other attacking players instead, one of who could be fellow academy starlet Anthony Elanga.
Shola Shoretire has also been a regular in training in recent weeks and is another who could be involved in the squad against Villa.
Ten Hag says he has an open dialogue with the academy staff, adding: “I will have communication with the Academy, with the coaches from the Under-21s. We have, in our coaching staff, one who is responsible for the communication with the Under-21s and the Academy, so we have a good line.
“In the end, players have to deserve their chance, players have to contribute because it’s about winning. If they can, we will bring them in.”
Garnacho added to his resume with two assists against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup, delivering another exciting performance.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
