Erik ten Hag lists two attributes key to Manchester United academy success after 250th debut

Erik ten Hag said he feels a responsibility to keep Manchester United's indelible link with the academy going strong having tried to strengthen the pathway during his time in charge at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag handed a debut to Ethan Wheatley on Wednesday night and in the process the 18-year-old forward became the 250th academy graduate to represent the United first team. Six of those have been handed debuts under Ten Hag and four have come this season, in Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala, Omari Forson and now Wheatley, who replaced Rasmus Hojlund in the closing stages of the 4-2 win against Sheffield United.

It capped a memorable few days for Wheatley, who was on the bench for the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday, scored twice in the Under-18s Premier League Cup final win against Manchester City on Tuesday night and then made first-team history 24 hours later.

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Ten Hag insisted it was a milestone for everyone at the club to be proud of and said it showed opportunities were always there for players who have the right mixture of "talent and winning attitude."

“Everyone at Manchester United should be very proud of our record of producing so many players with the quality and character to represent this incredible club," added Ten Hag.

"All of us at Carrington feel the responsibility to build on the legacy of the Busby Babes, the Class of 92 and the many others who have contributed to the club’s fantastic history.

"Strengthening the pathway between the academy and first team has been one of my priorities as manager, and Ethan is the latest example of this process