West Ham first coach Kevin Nolan is full of praise for the way Erik ten Hag has handled Manchester United’s youngsters, with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund scoring in last week’s 3-0 Premier League win at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag has faced his fair share of questions during a difficult second season at the Red Devils’ helm. Was Andre Onana really the best option to replace David de Gea? Has he shown too much faith in underperforming players, the much-maligned Antony in particular?
One aspect of Ten Hag’s management that should not be in doubt, however, is with regards to Manchester United’s new generation. Nearly 30 years on from those ‘Fergie Fledglings’, could we one day be referring to Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo as ‘Ten Hag’s teens’?
The former has started 19 games in a row now in all competitions, while the former Ajax boss has balanced Mainoo’s own emergence into the first-team picture impeccably. Then there is his handling of the Rasmus Hojlund situation, his faith unwavering in the big-money striker even after he went 15 Premier League games without finding the net.
A big future at Manchester United
“These boys have been given a platform to showcase their ability,” Nolan, who was in the West Ham dugout as Hojlund rattled home for the fourth game in a row last weekend prior to Garnacho’s match-clinching brace, tells talkSPORT (8 February, 6.40pm).
“Garnacho is obviously a massive talent. Mainoo (too). Everyone was on Hojlund’s back about him not scoring goals in the Premier League, and suddenly he’s got goals in hte next three (in a row).
You can only do that if the manager has got faith in you and keeps playing you in those moments (when) everybody else is doubting you. It’s really important for those youngsters, that you continue to give them opportunities. And that’s what Ten Hag has done.
“And he’s been repaid with fantastic performances in the last couple of games, you know with Mainoo scoring that goal in the last minute (against Wolves last week).”
‘Exciting times’
Mainoo’s first ever top-flight goal showcased all of the midfielder’s attributes all at once. The cool-headed composure, the remarkably mature-decision making and the supreme technical quality.
“A fantastic individual goal which, if someone of 30-years-old did it, you’d be saying ‘absolutely fantastic’,” Nolan adds. “But someone of his age…And then Garnacho’s finishes and Hojlund’s finishes at the weekend were great.
“So, for (Man United), it’s exciting times.”
Mainoo, Garnacho and Hojlund are all likely to keep their place as Man United look to continue their impressive recent form away at top-six rivals Aston Villa on Sunday.
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