Travis Binnion has praised Manchester United for offering 'really good' opportunities to young players over the last week.
Binnion manages the Under-18s but he's also taken Under-21 matches in the Papa John's Trophy this season. United played Bolton in the Round of 16 in the Papa John's on Tuesday night and they were defeated 4-0 and knocked out at that stage.
Although the U21s suffered a heavy defeat, it has been a positive week for the club's youngsters, who trained in Spain with Erik ten Hag, playing friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis, before returning to Manchester to play against Bolton's first-team.
Binnion reflected on those matches after the Bolton defeat and told the Manchester Evening News that not many clubs provide such valuable opportunities to young players, as United have always done throughout the club's history.
"I think 'capitulation' is a bit strong, but it's obviously 4-0 and we were well beaten," Binnion said. "I think overall the week has been really good, in terms of when you get the opportunity to train and play with the first team, that's the biggest part of development.
"To go to Palace on Sunday [U18s], play well, and for some of the boys to be involved again tonight [U21s vs Bolton], and some boys weren't involved tonight, as they'll be required for the first team requirements, shows that we're in a healthy place.
"[The youth players] Being with the first team staff, the senior players that weren't in the World Cup, playing against the opposition we've played against, two good sides [Cadiz and Real Betis], senior sides, much like tonight [has been invaluable expereince].
"If you look at the last three games, they've played a team near the top of League One and two La Liga sides. There are not many clubs that are offering those sorts of opportunities to young players, so they're the real positives.
"The lads will have learned from those three games [Cadiz, Real Betis and Bolton], and the training with the first team no doubt."