Get the day's biggest United stories delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

United's latest graduate Timothy Fosu-Mensah was praised by Reds boss Louis van Gaal for “saving” his side against Watford in the 1-0 win.

The 18-year-old product of Ajax's youth system moved to Old Trafford in 2014 and made his full debut against the Hornets.

Having picked up a 23 minute yellow card Fosu-Mensah faced a potentially tough full baptism.

But Van Gaal was pleased with the Amsterdam born defender.

“I gave compliments to my players because it is not so easy to win these games because Watford pressed us very high and we gave the ball away. Because of that they had several chances,” said Van Gaal.

“But Timothy has saved us three times I think because of his speed and I was very pleased he was on the pitch. I let him stay on the pitch in the second half because we was the player who always closed the door for us.

Watch: Van Gaal on Mata, United's youngsters and victory against Watford

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“I think he is a better full back than a central defender but he is from origin at Ajax always playing right centre midfield or right centre half. This is his position.

“But he has to play against (Watford striker) Ighalo who is a handful for a centre half. He did it fantastically and certainly when he gets a yellow card after 20 minutes then it is not so easy to play against a striker like Ighalo or Deeney. He was very good.”

During United's horrific winter injury pile up Fosu-Mensah is the tenth players from the Reds younger ranks to make the step up to the first team.

And Van Gaal says it has boosted the atmosphere in the dressing room.

“We are fighting and we are struggling and while we are struggling we are playing a fantastic match against Arsenal and I believe against Midtjylland we are also playing well,” he added.

“Shrewsbury was the start and I think the youngsters give us a lot of spirit and now when you see the dressing room full of joy and the players are laughing that is beautiful to see. That shall accelerate the the recoveries of the players.”