sport news Erik ten Hag insisted on taking control of Man United's reserves trends now
Erik ten Hag has taken control of Manchester United's reserve team as he strives to continue the club's proud tradition of developing top class talents.
The Dutch coach insisted on a level of control over the under-23 side during negotiations that led to him taking charge at Old Trafford - in the same way he helped keep the pathway from academy to first-team open at former club Ajax.
Ten Hag has been working closely with under-23 manager Mark Dempsey and coach Paul McShane but has the ultimate say on team selection, game time and even player position.
Erik ten Hag has also taken control of Manchester United's reserve team since arriving
Isak Hansen-Aaroen (right) in action for United's under-23 side during a recent fixture
There has been a homegrown player in every United matchday squad since October 1937.
'For me, co-operation between all the different departments is crucial to get the right culture in a club,' Ten Hag said, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
'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 personality 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."
Shola Shoretire is one of the current United talents hoping to break into the first-team
'So the final responsibility lies with me about how the second team performs and the flow of players that goes from the reserve team to the first team.'
United fans have enjoyed the performances of
