Manchester United’s under-21 coach Warren Joyce says the meticulous approach favoured by his charges will set up a bright future despite his side losing out to Chelsea for the Premier League crown.
United fell at the final hurdle in their bid to retain the title as the Londoners came from behind after Tom Lawrence’s opener to score the winner 12 minutes from time in their 2-1 win, watched by Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and 13,000 other spectators at Old Trafford.
Chelsea finished the regular season on top of the table and knocked out Manchester City on penalties in their play-off semi final, but Joyce refused to be downbeat.
“They have got to be perfect in everything,” he said.
“We’re hoping that sinks in and stands them in good stead for the rest of their careers.”
United defender Michael Keane highlighted the side’s team spirit since the turn of the year.
“We have some great players and it has been an excellent run for us this season. This was just a step too far.
“If we start next season as we finished this one, I’m sure we’ll go all the way again.”
United’s promising youngsters could yet soon be rubbing shoulders with one of the best coaches in the game, if, as expected, Dutch manager and European Cup winning boss Louis van Gaal is brought in to steer the Old Trafford ship.
Van Gaal is famous for putting great faith in youth though it will be a complicated procedure to deliver United back to the glories of the 1990s/2000s.
It may be that David Moyes’ permanent successor will look to find another Clarence Seedorf, Andres Iniesta, David Alaba or Thomas Muller among United’s current crop of promising young players.
Main image courtesy of OfficialCUFC via YouTube, with thanks.
