In a season plagued by injuries, Manchester United has found solace in the emergence of young players from their academy. Manager Erik ten Hag has been able to rely on these youngsters to bolster his squad, and it has opened up opportunities for more academy players to join the first team in training sessions.
Despite the initial inclination to keep most U21 or U18 players at the club for training purposes, a report from The Athletic reveals that United had to adjust this approach. Former Director of Football, John Murtough, intervened and advised Ten Hag that loan moves for young players would be more beneficial for their development than training with the first team.
As a result, in January, several players were sent out on loan to gain senior football experience. This decision has prompted Ten Hag to call up even more 16 and 17-year-olds to the first team, providing them with valuable exposure above their age group.
Overall, the strategy seems to be benefiting both the young players, who are gaining valuable experience, and the older players, who are getting senior exposure elsewhere. The shift towards loan moves for young players highlights a more long-term development approach at Manchester United.
