Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says the traditions of the FA Youth Cup are important to the club.

United won the title two years ago with senior star Alejandro Garnacho then leading United's attack.

United open up this season's campaign tonight at Old Trafford against Derby County.

"It's very important for the development of the players to play in occasions where you get challenged and, in a cup, it's always about do or die," Ten Hag told MUTV.

“So under such strong expectations, you have to perform as a team and as an individual and especially in youth development, it's about the individual development of the player by the end of that day.

“So they are challenged and they are getting an opportunity to show how far [along] they are."

On Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo's progress, Ten Hag also said: “Even in this club, where expectations are high, where levels are set in a high standard, [it shows] that you are capable to get through.

“If you do the right things, if you work very hard every day, and also, away from football, that your life is in the right direction, it goes in the right approach.

“When you do that, then you can deserve here opportunities to flow into the first team."