Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has instructed Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri on how to seize first-team opportunities.
United are set to host Reading tonight as they continue their quest to win the FA Cup. Ten Hag may opt to rotate his side, handing starts to young attacking duo Garnacho and Pellistri.
The manager told ManUtd.com that he hands chances to the players who deserve it.
He said: “I never, never let players get opportunities.
“A player has to deserve opportunities and they’re doing that by their performances on the training pitch, by their performances when they are on the pitch on the match day.
“That’s what I expect and they did quite well. We have seen Garnacho already over a long period and Pellistri is now coming in.
“Now he (Pellistri) also gets the experience to be in men’s football.
“He did some really good stuff and we’re happy with that but also I hope he knows that he has to step up to be often chosen, to be often on the pitch and so by deserving that position.”
Erik ten Hag picks his team based on merit and not on favouritism
United have been missing a manager for a decade who stamp his authority in the dressing room.
Previously, players have been picked even if they were not playing well enough. This poor culture has changed under Ten Hag.
The Dutchman is a demanding manager and does not allow his players to rest on their laurels.
He didn’t let Garnacho feature in the initial few weeks because he wanted a better attitude from the youngster.
As soon as the 18-year-old showed improvement, Ten Hag didn’t shy away from playing him.
The Argentine has repaid his manager’s faith by having six direct goal involvements in 628 minutes of action.
Pellistri got the opportunity to make his United debut against Charlton Athletic a couple of weeks back. He impressed everyone with his quick feet and direct style of playing.
Both of these young starlets are in contention to start against Reading tonight.
