Why the Youth Cup is so important

The young Reds host Derby County’s Under-18s at Old Trafford on Tuesday, in the third round of this year’s competition.

Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT and tickets are still available, with MUTV showing the game live to viewers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

United have a rich history in the tournament, winning it a record 11 times. The club's most recent triumph came in 2022, when the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Dan Gore and Kobbie Mainoo were all in the side.

Ten Hag sees the knockout nature of the cup, with each game being win or bust, as providing a real challenge to those who are coming through the system, setting them up for senior football one day.

“It's very important for the development of the players to play in occasions where you get challenged and, in a cup, it's always about do or die,” Ten Hag told club media.

“So under such strong expectations, you have to perform as a team and as an individual and especially in youth development, it's about the individual development of the player by the end of that day.

“So they are challenged and they are getting an opportunity to show how far [along] they are.”

Garnacho and Mainoo both started for the first team in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Anfield, a little over 18 months from tasting Youth Cup success at Old Trafford.

The manager says senior chances will always be there for young players who are prepared to put the work in and meet the Academy’s significant standards.

“It shows we have good potential in the Academy,” the boss added, when asked about examples like Alejandro and Kobbie.

“Even in this club, where expectations are high, where levels are set in a high standard, [it shows] that you are capable to get through.

“If you do the right things, if you work very hard every day, and also, away from football, that your life is in the right direction, it goes in the right approach.

“When you do that, then you can deserve here opportunities to flow into the first team.”