Ed Woodward has hit back at suggestions Manchester United have abandoned their youth policy.

United's commitment to promoting youth team players was questioned in the summer transfer window when Louis van Gaal allowed academy products Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck to leave for Aston Villa and Arsenal respectively.

They were replaced with expensive foreign imports like Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, prompting some to speculate it signalled a change of direction for a club who have become famous for producing the Busby Babes and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Class of 92.

But Woodward insists United are still keen to promote their own players and pointed to the emergence of Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair, James Wilson and Andreas Pereira this season as proof.

Van Gaal has given Blackett, McNair and Pereira their first-team debuts since taking over from David Moyes, with Blackett and McNair starting eight games between them.

Saidy Janko and Reece James were also given their senior debuts in the 4-0 defeat to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.

Woodward said: “Encouragingly, in addition to the world leading players we have acquired, our first team now includes several new players promoted from our academy, including Blackett, McNair, Pereira and Wilson.

“Youth development is a key part of the club’s DNA and we continue to invest in our academy and scouting infrastructure to attract the most talented young players.”

According to a report published by the CIES Football Observatory last month, United’s academy is responsible for 36 players playing in Europe’s top five leagues, behind only Barcelona, who have 43.

The report showed United have produced more players than Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Arsenal, something Woodward insists the club is proud of.

He also highlighted the performances of the Under-21s, who sit top of the Premier League league, ahead of Manchester City and Chelsea.

Woodward added: “Manchester United’s academy has produced more footballers currently playing in Europe’s top five leagues than any other club in the UK, with a total of 36 players.

“It’s a clear indication that our efforts have paid off. After seven games, our Under-21 team is top of the first division.”