Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal intends to continue utilising the younger players in his squad in order to improve performance levels at Old Trafford.
Guillermo Varela was the latest product of the United academy to join the group of 2015 debutantes which include Axel Tuanzebe, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Sean Goss and Marcus Rashford.
Varela (22) came to Old Trafford two years ago before spending last season in Real Madrid on loan. The Uruguayan was introduced at half-time of United's listless 0-0 draw against West Ham yesterday to replace the injured Paddy McNair.
As United's injury list continues to expand, and the fixture schedule enters a chaotic period over the Christmas and New Year, Van Gaal will be grateful of the youthful reserve available to him.
Javier Hernandez has won the Bundesliga's Player of the Month award... https://t.co/ZwaickUGhB
— Boylesports (@BoyleSports) December 4, 2015
Speaking after their sixth goalless draw yesterday, Van Gaal said:
'I have been pleased with the progress of the younger players when they've been called to train with the first-team squad so I am not afriad of using them if required. A number of those youngsters and other members of the first-team squad took part in the Under-21s' 3-2 victory over Liverpool. It was important to keep their match rhythm going into this busy period, and with the current injury list, all the players that are fit will need to be ready when they are called upon.'
Incase you didn't believe United fans booed the team after yesterday's output, here's a video. https://t.co/20hX29dCzP
— Al-Harazi (@ClintonSpel) December 6, 2015
But outside of Van Gaal's enthusiasm for the future, the Manchester United fans are getting increasingly frustrated with United's poor return of results. Reports are saying that Red Devil fans booed the squad off the pitch again yesterday after their side failed to exploit the opportunity created by Manchester City's defeat to Stoke.
And with Gary Neville beginning his managerial career in Valencia this coming week, people are speculating that the former United star will eventually replace Van Gaal at the helm.
