Erik ten Hag's long-term vision is for the playing style of Manchester United first team to ultimately be replicated lower down the age groups.
That is according to Tom Huddlestone, one of the men tasked with developing the next generation of players at Old Trafford. Huddlestone was appointed player-coach for the Under-21s in the summer and a large part of his role is aiming to pass on his experience and guide the youngsters towards what is hopefully a long and successful career.
He has also given a small glimpse into what the Dutchman wants to see from the development section of the club. Ten Hag was recently seen pictured overseeing the Premier League 2 game against West Ham.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Soccer AM, former England midfielder Huddlestone said: "I think he (Ten Hag) had meetings with the staff prior to me coming into the club. He sort of set out his blueprint with four or five fundamentals (he wants) in and out of possession.
"The under-21s and under-18s are trying to implement those ideas alongside their own. I think that will be the process going forward, definitely with the under-21s the aim is to play in a similar mould to the first team."
Huddlestone is the latest high-profile professional to take up the 'hybrid' role of combining coaching with sporadic appearances in under-21 league games and EFL Trophy matches. Other examples include Jay Spearing at Liverpool and Olly Lancashire at Southampton.
Huddlestone also spoke about his relationship with the young players and how he earned their respect.
He added: "Because it's younger players and there's a 15-year age discrepancy then it's not too bad. I think if it was a player-coach role in a first team environment then that would be more difficult.
"The lads might be slightly too young to remember me in my peak! So it's about re-proving yourself in training so they know they can listen to you because you've still got a bit. But equally you're trying to develop them to have professional careers."
ManUnited-Red
1
he will don't worry
Let’s hope
Jeremycamp
0
So true, hope he gets used more next season
he will don't worry
ManUnited-Red
0
exactly he's the best replacement we've had so far.
So true, hope he gets used more next season
Jeremycamp
0
For sure, he’ll be our no 1 for the years to come, no new replacement should come
exactly he's the best replacement we've had so far.
ManUnited-Red
1
yeah he'll let them shine
For sure, he’ll be our no 1 for the years to come, no new replacement should come
Jeremycamp
0
The younger players should shine
yeah he'll let them shine
ManUnited-Red
1
we have young players, we have lots of academy players that are ready to start for the first team. many young talents that are ready to be considered as academy graduates. now it's just up to Erik
The younger players should shine
tindiklmtz
0
man united we are looking for fullham striker mitrovic in January windows transfer
Jeremycamp
0
We need young players 💯
we have young players, we have lots of academy players that are ready to start for the first team. many young talents that are ready to be considered as academy graduates. now it's just up to Erik
Jeremycamp
1
how exciting, it's about time more academy players start 🤩 haven't seen Solskjær or Rangnick do that which was a little unfair on the Academy's part, but maybe Erik will.
ManUnited-Red
1
We need young players 💯
fourthorty430
2
What if Ten Hag was sick while all the academies have already been playing his style of football ... You have to view it in both ways..
Wazbdmprt
0
good
Toocilpsty
2
Tired of losing your bets on football games? Google search WĀGBTZ and visit the website to learn how to stop losing your bets on football games and recover all your betting losses.
Caesar2210
7
Ten Hag is here to stay... 🔥 His plans says it all...
archive
7
Sir Erik Ten Hag on future