It’s not been a perfect season for Manchester United, but Erik ten Hag has been better than any of his rivals in one area.
The academy at Manchester United has been thrust into the centre of attention this season once again, and it seems there’s an unlimited pool of golden prospects.
The U18 side has been immense with several of the group now moving toward U21 and senior football.
These players such as Harry Amass, Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato will see a path to the senior side already laid out for them.
The path is because they’ll have seen Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and now Willy Kambwala all earn Erik ten Hag‘s trust over the past year.
Now, it’s been revealed just how much he trusts his young talents.
Manchester United lead the top six in impressive fashion
For United, youth has always been a huge part of the clubs identity and under Ten Hag that has been no different.
With his established seniors faltering, the Dutchman has turned to his academy at various points already, rarely being let down.
In fact, United’s best players this season have been the youth and now the data to show how heavily they’ve been relied on can be seen.
Minutes given to teenagers this season by Premier League top six sides
As we see here, United have a commanding lead over the rest of the top six clubs.
Even combined, the tally is nearly three times the amount of the other five.
This is arguably the biggest strength of the current manager and one reason he could be impressing Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Erik ten Hag’s biggest strength as he follows in Sir Alex Ferguson’s footsteps
For the current manager, playing youth prospects has become a staple of his time at the club with Omari Forson another teen to get league minutes.
This – while not to the same level – is reminiscent of the greatest Old Trafford managers in history including Sir Alex Ferguson.
With the likes of Garnacho and Mainoo the first names on the team sheet, we have no doubt Ten Hag will also have his mind set on some of the world-class potential players in the ranks currently.
It’s his saving grace at the club and for as long as it works he may as well embrace playing the youth.