Manchester United called four young players up to train with the first team group ahead of Thursday night’s game with Omonia Nicosia.
Among them was Poland youth international Maxi Oyedele, a regular in midfield for Manchester United’s under-18s side.
Oyedele committed his future to Poland earlier this year and featured for their under-19 side during the recent international break. He was also eligible to represent Nigeria and England.
The midfielder was part of the United squad which won the FA Youth Cup last season, scoring once along the way.
Oyedele among four young players in first team training
United had an under-21 game on Tuesday night which Zidane Iqbal and Alejandro Garnacho among those featuring. So on Wednesday morning, first team boss Erik ten Hag wanted some fresh legs with the first team group, calling in four players who were on the bench against Barrow.
Oyedele was joined by Toby Collyer, Isak Hansen-Aaroen and Omari Forson, who have all trained with the first team in recent weeks too.
Oyedele’s call-up followed a big performance for Manchester United’s under-18s side at the weekend in which he scored the last goal in a 6-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.
The bad news for Oyedele, Collyer, Hansen-Aaroen and Forson is that none of the quartet were named in the travelling squad for the game against Omonia, with these spots going to Zidane Iqbal and Alejandro Garnacho.
But this was to be expected, and simply getting the chance to be around first team stars like Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo was big progress for the youngsters, who may get to be part of a matchday squad later in the competition.
Ten Hag has already handed a first team debut to Charlie McNeill in the competition and more of United talented youngsters will get their opportunities under the Dutchman as the year progresses.