What Erik ten Hag told 'best of mates' Manchester United youngsters after title success

Erik ten Hag has met with and congratulated Manchester United's victorious Under-18s team, days after they won their league title.

The United academy side have enjoyed a stunning season, losing just once in 22 league games so far, wrapping up the Under-18s Premier League North on Tuesday afternoon with a 2-1 win over Wolves.

Some of the stars of that team – including Harry Amass, Gabriele Biancheri, Bendito Mantato and Ethan Wheatley – have been tipped for future first-team honours at United. And they got a taste of what it's like to earn praise from first team manager Ten Hag when he greeted the side at United's Carrington training base on Wednesday.

In a video released by United, Ten Hag is seen shaking hands with various players around a lunch table at Carrington, stopping occasionally – including with Amass – to exchange a few kind words. He's heard saying "well done" numerous times.

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Under-18s captain Finley McAllister also gave a short speech on behalf of the side. He said: "I'd like to say a massive thank you of behalf of me and the players to all the staff, everyone that's here.

"The last few months and the results we've been getting would not be possible without sticking together, helping each other and just being the best of mates day in, day out."

On the U18s title success, United's academy director Nick Cox said: "Winning is an art that can be learned. And when players reach this age, not only are we developing players technically, tactically, physically and mentally, the emphasis is also teaching them how to win as well.

"It is therefore important that we stop to celebrate the achievement of the team. For players aged 16, 17 and 18, it is important that they learn to be part of an effective team that can perform consistently in a highly competitive environment.

"This achievement of winning the Under-18 Premier League is recognition of this group of players ability to do just that. And at this club, being a winner is a useful habit to nurture."