Bruno Fernandes has hinted Manchester United senior players struggled to comprehend the decision to sell one of the club’s most promising young players during the summer.
The Red Devils have made a sub-par start to the new campaign, despite significant investment during the transfer window which saw the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte join the club.
Ten Hag’s position is again under threat but the Dutchman continues to rely on a core group of youngsters, including the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
Given the Dutchman has been willing to throw inexperienced players into the heat of battle on numerous occasions during his tenure, it came as some surprise that he was willing to let the talented Maxi Oyedele join Legia Warsaw in the close season.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a promising spell on loan at Forest Green last term which many, including Fernandes, assumed was a prelude to bigger things.
The United skipper and Oyedele came face-to-face on Saturday as Portugal met Poland in the Nations League as the teenager made his senior international debut.
Oyedele swapped shirts with his former teammate and skipper after the game, a reunion that Fernandes marked with a picture on Instagram accompanied by a caption which read ‘Happy to see you doing great things. You deserve all the best kid’.
Fernandes also spoke about him in his post-match interview, telling TVP: ‘I think he was always one of the players that everyone at the club thought he would be coming from the academy into the first-team.
‘He has great qualities, he is a great kid and really humble.’
Oyedele, a midfielder, was a key part of the United side that won the FA Youth Cup two years ago and looked destined to remain part of Ten Hag’s plans when he featured during pre-season.
The Salford-born star, who has a who has a Polish mum and Nigerian dad, was surprisingly deemed surplus to requirements, however, but United’s loss has very much been Legia’s gain.
On his shock departure from Old Trafford and talent, Legia boss Goncalo Feio said: ‘Oyedele’s quality on the ball, his character in retaining possession and his tactical awareness when to dribble or play simply are significant attributes.
‘Bruno even remarked he was stunned regarding United’s decision to sell him – given Oyedele’s showing during pre-season.
‘His physical readiness, agility and ability to use his body effectively are top-notch.
‘While fans love to see what he can do with the ball, Maxi brings physicality to our midfield.
‘It’s our responsibility to foster his development. Polish football stands to gain immensely from his talent.’
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