Tyler Fredricson shows why Erik ten Hag has already called him up for Europa League squad

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Manchester United made 10 changes at half-time in Wednesday night’s friendly defeat to Cadiz.

For a brief period United’s young players pulled back a half-time deficit to tie the game 2-2, before going on to lose 4-2.

Despite the loss the young players gave a good account of themselves, with Kobbie Mainoo, 17, getting on the scoresheet.

It was a mixed night for the prospects, and while Mainoo rightly receives his dues, arguably the very best performance came from 17-year-old Tyler Fredricson.

Tyler Fredricson impresses v Cadiz

Fredricson was one of the youngest players on the pitch, behind Mainoo by a couple of months. He was the youngest defender to get a runout.

Yet after 45 minutes in Spain, Fredricson emerged with his reputation enhanced rather than looking out of his depth.

There were more senior centre-backs who featured, including Dishon Bernard, Teden Mengi – and even Victor Lindelof, and Fredricson had the best game of all four.

The teenager was surprisingly called up into Manchester United’s Europa League squad to face Real Sociedad earlier this season. Last night showed why Erik ten Hag was comfortable naming him on the bench.

The FA Youth Cup winner is composed, and showed character. Against a more physical side, he was unafraid to put his foot in and make a couple of hefty challenges, while staying on his feet.

Fredricson made a couple of vital interceptions, with his feet and with his head, showing the knack of a top defender, to be in the right place at the right time.

He was selected ahead of Youth Cup captain Rhys Bennett and under-21 regular Bjorn Hardley. Both players may get chances against Real Betis, yet Ten Hag’s selection appeared justified.

It’s early days for Fredricson, and Axel Tuanzebe’s eventual return from injury could provide another block to the first team, but he may have jumped up the queue last night.

The England youth international has also been pushed up to under-21 level this season, and it will be intriguing to see if he gets another chance against Real Betis this weekend.

Either way, this certainly is not the last we have seen of Fredricson. Ten Hag clearly knows he has a budding talent, and will give him opportunities when the time arises.