Manchester United Hero Believes Erik ten Hag Is Key To Unlocking Club’s Youth Potential

As Manchester United fans build up their excitement for new additions at the club with the summer transfer window opening, former player Antonio Valencia has instead spoken of his excitement at seeing the breakthrough of youth players already at the club under new boss Erik Ten Hag. 

Returning to Old Trafford to play in a United Legends fixture against Liverpool, the former winger turned full-back spoke of his excitement surrounding Manchester United’s youth, ahead of the new season.

Valencia believes that Ten Hag will be able to utilise the young talent the club has in abundance, with Hannibal highlighted in particular by the United legend. 

The Ecuadorian international was quoted as saying, “I loved Hannibal’s personality and his will to win tackles. He came on the pitch at Anfield with the idea of giving everything.”

The Tunisian international’s cameo in United’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool was perhaps the only moment which gave United fans any sense of pride from the game, with the passion on display being the only sense of pride in the badge present on the United side.

The former United player went on to mention the previous success United has had with its academy, with the Ecuadorian claiming, “United has always worked very well with its Academy.”

He then explained, “It all depends on the trust that the new manager will give them as I am sure we have some great talents.”

Ten Hag certainly has some great talent at his disposal, with several hoping that the next season could warrant a chance to prove themselves for the senior side. 

A number of these youth players have excelled over the international break for their country’s youth sides, with Alejandro Garnacho in particular scoring and assisting for Argentina U20s in a 3-1 win vs Japan U19s.

On top of the youth aspect, Valencia also installed a level of his confidence in Ten Hag’s management and playing style, saying, “I know his football and how well he has performed at Ajax."

Before going further to explain, “I am sure that with a full pre-season, he is going to be able to share his football with the players, and, all together, they will be able to make the fans happy.”

With talks for Frenkie De Jong formally being opened with Barcelona, following the greenlight from the player, it will be hoped that Valencia is correct and the success achieved by Ten Hag at Ajax will soon be replicated at The Theatre of Dreams.