Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was spotted in the stands on Friday evening as our Under-21 team faced West Ham United in Premier League 2.
After 59 minutes, Kamarai Swyer gave the Hammers the lead, but Omari Forson’s close-range effort ensured the points were shared at the J Davidson Stadium.
Ten Hag was clearly excited to see some of our Academy prospects in action less than 24 hours after returning from Moldova, where he oversaw our 2-0 Europa League victory over Sheriff Tiraspol.
The manager‘s attendance at Altrincham demonstrates his interest in the development of young talent, something he was known for during his time as Ajax boss. Current United players Donny van de Beek and Antony are among those who benefitted from being given early first-team bows at the Amsterdam club.
The player leading the Under-21s attack, Charlie McNeill, made his senior debut in last week’s Europa League tie against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.
Two other starters in Friday’s Academy game, Charlie Savage and Isak Hansen-Aaroen have also featured for the first team under Ten Hag by appearing in pre-season friendlies.
More young Reds could be given a senior opportunity in the months ahead, as United competes on four fronts in a demanding 2022/23 campaign that is still in its infancy.
Following tonight’s draw with the Hammers, our Under-21s return to action on 1 October with an away game against Blackburn Rovers.
The Reds then travel to Cumbria to face League Two side Barrow just three days later, in our second Papa John’s Trophy fixture of the season (19:30 BST). The first game in the competition resulted in a 2-1 victory over League Two outfit Carlisle United.
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