Erik ten Hag knows that his legacy at Manchester United will ultimately be judged on results above anything else.
But he has already impressed the United fanbase with his meticulous approach to the bigger picture. Part of that includes the club's famed academy.
Thursday's Europa League victory over FC Sheriff saw a proud record extended as their 85-year run of naming at least one homegrown player in a matchday squad goes on. It is a record that will not be going anywhere anytime soon given the wealth of academy-reared players within the first team squad. For exciting youngsters like Alejandro Garnacho, Ten Hag offered encouraging words going forward.
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Ten Hag gave Garnacho his full United debut in the win over Sheriff and the young Argentine impressed to such an extent that he left to a standing ovation from United fans when he was substituted for Donny van de Beek in the 79th minute.
Speaking to United's website, the Dutchman said of the club's proud record: "To be honest, I wasn’t aware of that but it tells you something, why I like clubs such as Manchester United.
"They give a lot of attention that they pay to the academy and to teach players and build players, young players [to get them] into the first team. And I think, with those players, you can develop a culture, a certain style of play, because you have them long in your building.
"So it’s really important for every club but not every club has it – but Manchester United has it and I think it is of big value.”
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