Ten Hag: We have to give them time to develop

Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho have continued to shine for the Reds, who have won five of our six outings in all competitions at the start of 2024.

With the Hatters next up, Ten Hag's men could close the gap to three points should results go our way this weekend.

Expressing his desire to win at all costs, the boss was first asked whether our young players can have that same influence as a new signing.

"I can't tell because I wasn't there and then it's difficult to have an opinion about that," began Erik.

"The only thing what I know, I think, Man United will always be a buying club, but I think at Man United that proves the history.

"It's in the DNA of the club [that it] always has given opportunities for a way through the Academy into the first team as a player deserves it."

United have long trusted Academy players to make their mark in the first team, with the foundations of our club built on such philosophies.

The next batch of youngsters are continuing to pave the way, with the trust shown in them rewarded so far, as some six homegrown players featured in our matchday squad at Villa Park last weekend.

"In my opinion, there were players who had the potential and we have given them the time to develop and to progress," added Erik.

"We are mentoring them in their way through, because we saw their potential was higher than the current squad players in that moment in that position.

"We also have taken moments into account that they couldn't break or bring the levels in that moment.

"But you see, when you give them the opportunity, they progress so quickly, and they bring the team to higher levels in the long term."