Why Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage should be excited by Man United boss Erik ten Hag's comments

The Manchester United youngsters could have a part to play at Old Trafford next season

Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage have both shown Erik ten Hag exactly what they can offer Manchester United ahead of the new Premier League season.

The young pair have impressed while on tour with the senior squad this summer. The duo first started to turn heads in pre-season after United's 4-0 demolition over Liverpool, where their second-half performances showed a level of maturity rarely seen in such young players.

Savage and Iqbal showed their range of passing ability as they zipped the ball across the turf, making them look at ease while sharing the pitch with Premier League stars. Their performances will have been a huge boost to Ten Hag as the Dutchman knows how important a strong crop of youth players can be from his time at Ajax.

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And the comments he made during his spell in the Eredivisie could suggest the likes of Savage and Iqbal may be in line to get a chance in the Premier League this season.

Speaking back in 2019, the Dutchman said: “I do agree that youngsters need to get a chance in the first team but they have to deserve that chance themselves. They have to prove that they are better than the current players or at least have the potential to be better.”

This isn't the only time Ten Hag has spoken publicly about using young players. While on tour in Australia, the manager provided the youngsters with further cause for optimism.

"I think it's always a matter of developing," he said. "That's with experienced players and with younger players. I am a coach, I am not afraid, if players are good enough and are old enough, I will play them. We set a high standard and values and the team respond to it. We are happy with that."

The words of the United manager will no doubt be ringing in the ears of Savage, Iqbal and the rest of the vastly talented youngsters in the academy who will be hoping to flourish over the coming years.

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