• Premier League

Van Gaal is giving youth chance, says Sir Alex Ferguson

Louis van Gaal has already given debuts to seven players from Manchester United's youth set-up © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson believes Louis van Gaal has been true to Manchester United's traditions of giving young players a chance.

Van Gaal was criticised for selling one of United's youth products, Danny Welbeck, at the end of a summer transfer window when he loaned out another, Tom Cleverley.

Ferguson's former assistant Mike Phelan said United's identity was "broken" after selling Danny Welbeck © Getty Images

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Ferguson's former assistant Mike Phelan said the identity of the club was "broken", but in his brief reign, Van Gaal has already given debuts to seven players who have come through the ranks at Old Trafford.

Tyler Blackett, Jesse Lingard, Paddy McNair and Tom Thorpe have all featured in the Premier League while Reece James, Saidy Janko and Andreas Pereira have played in the League Cup.

Ferguson, who promoted the "Class of '92" during his spell in charge, told MUTV: "What has pleased me with Louis is he's given seven young kids their debuts this year and that falls into line with the history of our club.

"I think the supporters particularly respond very, very well when a young player gets his opportunity. Young people have to be given an opportunity, particularly if they've got ability. If you wait too long, they just stagnate and you lose them.

"You can never afford that, in my time in particular, and there was always a time when you had to assess exactly where they're going. Whether they are going to be first-team players or get careers elsewhere.

"The great thing about United that still exists is there are probably around 90 players playing in England who started their careers at United's academy.

"It tells you the operation produces not just young players but good human beings, young people who can go anywhere. That's a lot down to the staff we've had at United."

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