Most homegrown players in the squad
Erik ten Hag has taken charge of the reserves at Manchester United. Even during his last station at Ajax Amsterdam, the stronger connection between the professionals and the second team was particularly important to the coach. In the “Red Devils” the departments were separated from each other, as the Dutchman said.
Kane, Rice & Co.: Most valuable homegrown talent per Premier League club
“I find the cooperation between all different departments crucial to establish the right culture in a club,” explained ten Hag (quoted via “The Athletic“). “Like Ajax, when I joined Manchester United the reserve team was isolated. It wasn’t really part of the academy anymore, but it wasn’t part of the first team either. I changed that immediately – just like in Amsterdam when I started there (end of 2017, i. editor).”
Ten Hag explained the strategy at Ajax, where the coach took his hat off for the move to Manchester this summer: “At Ajax, the reserve team was under the responsibility of the head coach. That’s the only way I’ve been able to influence the flow of young, talented players into the first team.” Under-21 coach Mark Dempsey will continue to have freedom in his work, as will Under-18 manager Travis Binnion, “but I’m also giving them instructions by telling them to For example, say, ‘I want this player to take minutes in this position’.”
Man United with the most homegrown talents in the league – “final responsibility” at ten Hag
As with Ajax, ten Hag found a strong and successful training system at Man United. No Premier League club has as many homegrown players in the first team as the Red Devils. With Alejandro Garnacho there is also one who did not celebrate his first professional steps under ten Hag, but the first longer appearances and the starting XI premiere in both the league and the Europa League. Kobbie Mainoo (17), Tyler Fredricson (17), Radek Vitek (19), Rhys Bennett (19) and Charlie McNeill (19), who played in the European Cup, were also able to get a taste of professional life for the first time in the form of squad nominations under the coach.
Ten Hag said of his idea: “So the ultimate responsibility lies with me for the performance of the second team and the flow of players that goes from the reserve team to the first team.”
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