Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has challenged the club's young stars to step up during their mid-season training camp.
Official: Hazard Announces Retirement From International Football
The Dutch tactician has decided to take the Red Devils to Spain for a training camp in preparation for the second half of the season, with the make-up of the touring squad consisting largely of first-team players who are not competing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
While Ten Hag took the likes of Anthony Martial and David de Gea along, academy graduates such as Zidane Iqbal, Charlie Savage and Kobbie Mainoo also travelled to the Iberian Peninsula.
The 52-year-old has now urged the team's youngsters to make the most of the opportunity and impress him now so he can count on them later in the season.
"I think this is a great opportunity for them," Ten Hag told MUTV.
"Normally we don't have this break and now we have this break.
"Many players are at the World Cup, so there are positions available and they [the young players] can get used in these positions.
"They can show themselves and they can challenge players who already play in the Premier League, so it's fantastic for them."
The likes of Iqbal, Savage and Mainoo will be looking to take a page out of Alejandro Garnacho's book, with the 18-year-old having put in some scintillating performances before the World Cup hiatus.
The young Argentine has two goals and two assists in the 10 games he has played for United's first team this season.
Real Linked With €60m Move For Brazilian Teenager
While the youngsters are given the opportunity to showcase their talents, there is one glaring omission in the United ranks in Spain, and that is Jadon Sancho.
The England international is understood to be in Manchester following a tailor-made training programme while the rest of the squad prepare to face Cadiz and Real Betis in friendlies this week.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH VIDEO: