The fact that Erik ten Hag is dedicated to providing opportunities for younger players was a primary factor in Manchester United's decision to hire him this summer. The new manager hasn't taken long to acknowledge that United has the most illustrious history of youth development of any club in world football, and he hasn't taken long to acknowledge that United's history is unparalleled.

Ten Hag and his assistant Mitchell van der Gaag, along with the club's technical director Darren Fletcher and the club's deputy director of football Andy O'Boyle, watched the U21s play West Ham in the Premier League 2 on the weekend when the men's first-team did not have a match.

It was a surprise visit that U21s manager Mark Dempsey had not even been informed of, and it was evidence of the way that Ten Hag likes to operate by throwing players into difficult situations at the deep end, in order to truly gauge their character.

Zidane Iqbal and Alejandro Garnacho are now regulars in the United first team under the Dutchman. Because of the frequency with which they attend training with the seniors, it is hardly even worth reporting when they train with the seniors.

Erik ten Hag is a fan of both of their individual abilities as well as their maturing sense of responsibility, and he believes that if there are going to be any breakthroughs for younger players at the senior level this season, then those two are the leading candidates to do so.

It's possible that those two young adults are currently at the head of the line for young talent at United, but they certainly aren't the only ones who have genuine aspirations of playing for the senior squad. In fact, it's possible that they'll be joined by two more academy graduates in the senior player pool very soon.

Charlie McNeill made his first appearance in a game off the bench against Real Sociedad almost two weeks ago. He traveled to Moldova last week, but he was an unused substitute during that game.

It has been a surreal experience for the local lad, who still lives in Droylsden, not only to get an unexpected call-up to a senior matchday squad, but also to make his debut, and to do it alongside his childhood hero, Cristiano Ronaldo. Not only did he get an unexpected call-up to a senior matchday squad, but he also made his debut alongside his childhood hero. Without drawing much attention to himself, he undoubtedly prevailed in Ten Hag's examination.

McNeill has already accomplished his life's work, and it doesn't matter if he never gets another chance to play for the first team again. In spite of the fact that he is the 244th academy player to make their senior United debut, it is to his credit that the experience has only made him hungrier for more.

McNeill is well-known for the goals he has scored while playing at the youth level. In fact, it was because of these goals that United spent £750,000 on him two years ago, a fee that could eventually double to £1.5million for the total amount paid. The club coaches had the impression, at the time, that the total cost would be an exceptional "deal." Already, it appears that they were correct in their assumptions.

However, the aspect of his game that has impressed those coaches the most over the course of the previous season is the fact that he has added so much more to it. Because of his astounding scoring record, there was a school of thought that held the opinion that he received an excessive amount of praise. His development as a player has progressed to the point where he enjoys the increased responsibility of bringing teammates into the action and taking the initiative in terms of the intensity of his defensive pressure.

The 19-year-old will probably never get rid of his instinct to score, but he has been told that he needs to provide more if he wants to compete at the highest level possible. It is a huge testament to his character that he has demonstrated the eagerness to get better, and Ten Hag's recognition is proof positive of that fact.

Charlie Savage, who played a significant role in the pre-season schedule but went back to his duties with the youth team at the beginning of the campaign, is another player who has a chance of soon joining him permanently.

The young Welsh player was substituted out at the break during United U21's match against West Ham United on the previous Friday night because United needed him at first-team training over the weekend. The match ended in a draw.

Savage, 19, earned his senior team debut last year, entering in the 94th minute of a match against BSC Young Boys in the Champions League, and he is excited to continue his growth with more consistent playing time as the season progresses.

Like McNeill, he may find success in the Europa League as a reserve player, which may be especially useful in the future games against Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus.

McNeill is already perhaps the fourth or fifth choice in a central striking spot, making it more difficult for Savage to break into the first team. There is a lot of competition in central midfield, especially from Savage's close friend Iqbal.