Some members of Manchester United staff felt Erik ten Hag could have taken more of an interest in the academy.

Ten Hag was sacked on Monday following United's 2-1 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League and he leaves behind a mixed legacy, having won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

The Dutchman was praised for overseeing the development of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo during his time in charge and was regarded by some fans to have been great for the academy, but it's understood some staff members felt he could have done more during his reign.

One source said Ten Hag was 'never brave enough' and questioned why young players hadn't been given opportunities when it seemed obvious to involve them with the first team.

There has been surprise at someone like Harry Amass being overlooked this season. Amass excelled during the pre-season tour of the United States and travelled to Wembley for the Community Shield, but hasn't been given a debut, despite both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being absent.

There were also raised eyebrows in the victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford when Toby Collyer started at left-back and Bruno Fernandes, who seemed like he would benefit from a rest, was substituted on with 30 mins to play with Ethan Wheatley on the bench.

The feeling for some academy coaches was Ten Hag watched youth games when it served him publicly and the newly installed training wall is thought to have created a feeling of segregation.

United recently erected a new wall at their Carrington training complex to preserve privacy for the men's first team. Training sessions at weekends often take place with members of the public on-site to watch academy games involving age groups from the Under-13s to Under-18s.

Ten Hag sought greater privacy amid final tactical preparations before Sunday matches and the wall was sanctioned by Ineos not long before he was sacked.

However, Mainoo and Garnacho are now internationals for England and Argentina and Ineos looked at Ten Hag's work with youngsters advantageously in their review of last season.

During his time in charge, Ten Hag gave Mainoo, Wheatley, Charlie McNeill, Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson their debuts and Wheatley became the 250th player from the academy to make a senior debut for United when making a cameo in the Premier League in April.

Youngsters were also a regular presence in first-team training when extra numbers were required, although that was often enforced due to senior players being unavailable for a session.