Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has called on the academy to follow in the footsteps of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo when they begin their FA Youth Cup campaign on Tuesday night.
The Young Reds will face Derby County's U18s at Old Trafford this week in the third round of the competition. United last tasted success back in 2022 when current first team players made a name for themselves in the cup.
Ten Hag has not shied away from giving younger members of his squad a chance in the first team and he has urged the next generation to grasp the opportunity to impress against the Rams.
Speaking to MUTV, he explained: "It's very important for the development of the players to play in occasions where you get challenged and, in a cup, it's always about do or die. READ MORE: Keane gives verdict on Mainoo READ MORE: Four United players all say same thing about Liverpool draw "So under such strong expectations, you have to perform as a team and as an individual and especially in youth development, it's about the individual development of the player by the end of that day.
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