Erik ten Hag must test unproven Man Utd defender during pre-season tour after latest transfer exit rumours

Erik ten Hag will be naming his Manchester United pre-season tour squad on Wednesday, and one academy player must be included after the latest transfer reports.

The Reds have played against Rosenborg in Norway and Rangers in Scotland but will now travel to the United States for the bulk of their pre-season preparation.

Erik ten Hag’s side will face Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool before returning to England and playing Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley.

18-year-old Habeeb Ogunneye has played in both pre-season fixtures so far this summer and impressed in his role on the right side of the defence.

The young defender was a key part of Adam Lawrence’s successful Under-18s side last term. They won three different trophies, and Ogunneye was a regular in the side.

Recent reports have claimed that United are open to selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the right price this summer, with West Ham being the latest with credited interest.

Limited replacements have been named in the media, although Bayern Munich’s fullback Noussair Mazraoui is one of them.

Diogo Dalot will be the number one option in the position going into next season. But, as we witnessed last season, the depth in the position will be key.

Whether or not United sell Wan-Bissaka and find a replacement, they also need to have a similar succession plan within the academy to that Harry Amass brings for Luke Shaw on the left side of the defence.

Amass is expected to be involved with the first team next season, and the same should be true for Ogunneye, who could also be an emergency option for Ten Hag if needed.

He should be provided the chance to play alongside the first-team players in the United States to test himself in that environment because it might end up being needed.

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