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The FA Youth Cup is a tournament with a long and storied history for Manchester United.
Whether it’s the Class of ’92 who took their first steps into the world of silverware that would later await them at senior level, or Alejandro Garnacho and Coby Mainu who stunned the world two years ago, the FA Youth The cup is special.
As United begin their campaign in this year’s tournament, the manager said: Erik ten Hag told MUTV for his thoughts on the same.
United face Derby County at Old Trafford on Tuesday, kicking off at 19:00 GMT.
He said the knockout format of the tournament would raise the stakes and allow youngsters to experience the “can’t lose” mentality the club needed.
“It is very important for a player’s development to play in situations where they are challenged and cup competitions are always win or die.
“Under such high expectations, we need to perform both as a team and as individuals, and especially in youth development, it’s important that players develop individually by the end of the day.
“So they’re being challenged and they’re getting an opportunity to show how far they can go.” [along] they are. “
He talked about the talents that emerged in this tournament, mainly Mainu, Garnacho, and Dan Gore.
Ten Hag praised the academy’s achievements and said that as long as players work hard, there is always a path to the first team.
“Even at this club where expectations are high and standards are set at a high level, [it shows] That you have the ability to overcome it.
“If you’re doing the right things, working hard every day and your life is going in the right direction, even away from football, then you’re going with the right approach.
“If I can do that, I should have a chance to get into the first team here.”
Ten Hag remained true to his word, starting Mainu against Liverpool at Anfield and deftly managing Garnacho’s rise.
Talented players like Shea Lacy, Jace Fitzgerald, and Victor Musa are among the players to watch in this year’s tournament.