During the two season Louis van Gaal era at Manchester United eleven products of the Man United youth academy have made their Premier League debuts. This past week, it’s the goal scoring exploits of debutant Marcus Rashford that’s been making all the headlines, but there are more prospects just like him in the pipeline.
Van Gaal says that his tendency to promote and play academy players will serve the club very well by making it an attractive destination for the top tier young talent.
He told the United website: “When you have me as the manager, you have a lot of chances. Also, a lot of players, because of that, are coming next season to Manchester United, because they see that. I’m doing always what I think I have to do but, you put yourself in my attention, and then I shall give you always a chance.”
The Dutchman also boasted about his track record in developing youth, claiming it was one of the main reasons that United brought him to Old Trafford in the first place.
“I had two maiden speeches with them, two conversations, first with Ed [Woodward, executive vice-chairman] and later with the owners,” Van Gaal said.
“They have said what the culture is of Manchester United and why they want me. One of the reasons was that. I used a lot of players also on the tour in America and on the tour last year.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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