Louis van Gaal says he is always open to dipping into Manchester United's youth ranks when he needs a player and often holds discussions with Under-21 boss Warren Joyce and Under-18 coach Paul McGuinness.
Yesterday Van Gaal named 18-year-old academy defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on the bench for the Premier League game against West Brom at Old Trafford and the Dutchman threw the player into action off the bench in the 76th minute.
Borthwick-Jackson replaced Marcos Rojo at left-back and produced a solid performance; and Van Gaal was pleased with the way he acquitted himself.
The Dutchman explained he is always open to dipping into the youth ranks when he needs to bolster his options and is happy to chat with Joyce and McGuinness.
"I have seen him once or twice and I have been impressed by him", Van Gaal told MUTV.
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"Yesterday, I knew that Marouane Fellaini was injured, so I talked with Warren Joyce and asked what he had for me.
"I’m always taking with him or Paul McGuinness, and he [Joyce] said at the moment the left full-back is in good shape.
"I needed a left full-back because Marcos Rojo had played a few games in a row, so I have to take into account that it might be too much", Van Gaal explained.
"I put Cameron in the line-up without any fear, and I have to say he did very well."
Manchester United ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against West Brom, with goals from Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, the latter striking from the penalty spot at the end of the match.
