Erik ten Hag answers Man United team news question ahead of Fulham clash

Erik ten Hag will not gift opportunities to Manchester United youngsters in the last Premier League game of the season against Fulham.

United secured their place in the top four on Thursday after their 4-1 win against Chelsea. Another three points against The Cottagers would confirm a third-place finish for the club.

Whilst many fans are keen to see the likes of Zidane Iqbal gifted a chance in the starting XI, the Dutch manager wants to ensure that young talents earn their place in the side even when United’s top four position is secured.

Ten Hag did not introduce Alejandro Garnacho to the starting XI in the Premier League until November this season and has started just four games in the league all campaign despite his extreme talent.

The manager’s approach is different to that of prior manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, yet we’ve still seen major developments in the game of Garnacho.

He values a winning culture and does not want to field a second-string side despite United playing in the FA Cup final next weekend.

“No, this will not be the case,” Ten Hag replied when asked whether he will include young players in the lineup by Stadium Astro.

“They have to prove themselves and they have to deserve their position. The attitude here, always, is that we have to win games.

“It doesn’t matter which league, which competition or where we are – it has to be the routine, so we take this game seriously as well. We want to keep the third position in the league.