It has been a season of debuts at Manchester United, with no fewer than seven academy graduates given their bow by Louis van Gaal this season.
When you throw in first appearances from the likes of Anthony Martial, Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin, senior players brought in by the Dutch manager, there have been some near-unrecognisable line-ups at Old Trafford.
But those concerned it could lead to a disconnect with the United of old need not worry – even the new debutants have a link to loyal players of yesteryear.
The latest example comes with the reception afforded to Timothy Fosu-Mensah, who made his debut in the victory over Arsenal.
Dutch defender Fosu-Mensah, who can also play in midfield, joined the club’s academy from Ajax in 2014 and replaced the injured Marcos Rojo in Sunday’s victory.
And after being granted his first-team chance, he was congratulated by none other than Lyon right-back and former Manchester United fan favourite Rafael.
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