Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has explained why he has taken the decision of taking charge of the reserve side.
The former Ajax manager has Manchester United playing their best football in years, with the squad morale at its highest point after some difficult times.
Manchester United ended 2022 in fourth place as Marcus Rashford's second half goal was enough to see off Wolves.
One of the biggest talking points from the game however, was Erik Ten Hag dropping Rashford to the substitutes bench for disciplinary reasons. The 25-year-old revealed that he was punished for being late for a team meeting.
This was another example of Erik Ten Hag showing his quality player management skills. The matter is over, with Rashford on the scoresheet once again, but Ten Hag showed why discipline is important to his side.
From the Cristiano Ronaldo scandal to leaving Harry Maguire out of the side, Erik Ten Hag hasn't been afraid to make the big calls to show what's best for his side.
Erik Ten Hag Takes Charge Of Reserves
His latest move is a surprise, as it has been revealed he is also taking charge of the reserves.
A club known for producing young talent, Erik Ten Hag wants to develop a similar culture that was experienced at Ajax, where he could see first hand the development of youth coming into his side.
For me, cooperation between all the different departments is crucial to get the right culture in a club. Like at Ajax, when I entered Manchester United the reserve team was isolated.
It was no longer really part of the academy, but it wasn’t part of the first team either. I changed that immediately - just as I did when I entered Amsterdam.
At Ajax, the reserve team came under the responsibility of the manager. That was the only way I could have influence on the flow of young, talented players towards the first team.
Of course I still give the coaches freedom to work, but I also give them direction, by saying for example I want that player to start making minutes in that position."
We have already seen one player break into the first team in Alejandro Garnacho, who looks to be a huge talent for the future.
If Ten Hag continues to show this level of detail into the reserves, expect more young talents to break into the first team this season.
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