Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire has praised academy defender Dan Armer for his performances during this summer's pre-season. Due to the World Cup, United have relied upon a number of teenagers from the academy to fill gaps in the first-team squad - some of whom arrived as unknowns to supporters.
Armer's emergence in pre-season
As pre-season has progressed, a number of academy players have dropped out of the travelling squads. The likes of Chido Obi, Jacob Devaney, Toby Collyer and Dan Gore have not featured since the win over Rosenborg while JJ Gabriel did not travel to Gothenburg to face Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday. However, one constant has been Armer.
He was an unused substitute against the Champions League holders but did have a brief cameo against Atletico Madrid, the week before. Speaking to United's website, Maguire praised the teenager who has yet to make a senior, competitive appearance for the club.
Maguire's praise for the teenager
"I think Dan's been brilliant," the experienced centre-back said. "18 years old, playing in tough games and playing for this club for the first time. He's been magnificent at centre-back and, hopefully, he can continue to progress, keep enjoying working with us. There have been so many good performances from the younger boys."
"The one thing in pre-season is that, if you're a young lad, you get given opportunities," Maguire added. "And I must say, the young boys came back really, really fit, all looking really sharp, every one of them."
Next up: Leeds at Croke Park
Next up for United is a clash with Leeds at Croke Park. "We've got a great game on Wednesday against Leeds, which we always know is a big game, whether it's a friendly or not," he concluded. "So that's one we're looking forward to."
"Our Irish fans, they're unbelievable, so it's great to see them. We know that they're going to be in full support in the stadium against Leeds."
After Leeds, the Reds will play one final pre-season fixture against AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland on Saturday. United then begin their Premier League campaign away at Hull City the following week on August 22.
