![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/Erik-ten-Hag-wants-Man-Utd-to-upgrade-their-youth-academy-4955716.jpg?r=1694525387815\")
<\/p>\n
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n
Erik ten Hag has wasted no time in emphasising the importance of the club’s youth academy to his long-term project.<\/p>\n
The Dutchman left a club that strongly values its youth ranks to fruitful reward in Ajax for another but has reportedly been left disappointed with the lack of quality across United’s age levels.<\/p>\n
Ten Hag oversaw an exodus of homegrown talent this summer to clarify that he will only welcome the brightest prospects into his first-team squad.<\/p>\n
Dean Henderson joined Crystal Palace in a deal worth up to \u00a320m, and Anthony Elanga left for Nottingham Forest, who paid \u00a315m.<\/p>\n
Matej Kovar to Bayer Leverkusen raked in \u00a38m, while Axel Tuanzebe, Zidane Iqbal, Teden Mengi, Charlie Savage and Marc Jurado also departed.<\/p>\n
After United’s 2-0 win against Leeds United at the start of pre-season, Ten Hag laid out his desire to implement at least one academy talent into his senior ranks every season.<\/p>\n
DON’T MISS <\/strong> “This is their moment. So we have to improve the squad, you can do it with players who make transfers but also players who are across the whole academy,” Ten Hag told MUTV.<\/p>\n “Man United is famous [for] it. To bring young kids to above and to play in the first team. Last year, Garnacho made it.<\/p>\n “So I always hope for a minimum of one player who can go into our squad and compete for a starting position.”<\/p>\n This season, Kobbie Mainoo looks to have earned that opportunity. The 18-year-old midfielder is expected to play a part this term once he recovers from an injury against Real Madrid during the US tour.<\/p>\n
Man Utd already have ‘four 2024 targets’ as Evan Ferguson transfer belief rises[TRANSFERS] <\/strong>
Man Utd may need \u00a340m transfer rethink as McTominay warns Erik ten Hag[QUOTES] <\/strong>
Man Utd make decision on El Ghazi transfer as Ten Hag solves right-wing crisis[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/Man-Utd-pride-themselves-on-their-academy-4955718.jpg?r=1694525388094\")
<\/p>\n