Erik ten Hag took some time to watch Manchester United’s U21s take on West Ham on Friday night.
Shortly after arriving back from Moldova – where the first team beat FC Sheriff 2-0 in the Europa League – Ten Hag was in attendance at Altrincham’s J Davidson Stadium.
Ten Hag was accompanied by Mitchell van der Gaag, his right-hand man, technical director Darren Fletcher and Andy O’Boyle, who recently joined the club as deputy director of football.
“It shows he is interested and it’s motivational for the boys and the supporters,” Dempsey told The Athletic. “I think it’s really encouraging for all concerned that he is here with his staff. It sends a positive vibe.
“I think one or two of our players went under if I’m honest, but it’s good for him to come and see us and it’s healthy for everyone at the football club.”
Charlie Savage started the game in midfield, and he would have been keen to impress Ten Hag after playing for the first team during the pre-season tour.
Results haven’t been great for the U21s this season, and this was much of the same. Mark Dempsey’s side performed well but had to settle for an Omari Forson equaliser to end the game as a 1-1 draw.
The manager has already promoted players from Dempsey’s U21 squad, including Radek Vitek, Tyler Fredricson, Kobbie Mainoo, Zidane Iqbal, Shola Shoretire and Charlie McNeill.
Hopefully more make the grade soon as the U21s improve on their results in the coming weeks.