Playing young kids when not ready on the back-off expectations can destroy careers when they fail to live up to expectations. Elite sport is a lot about confidence and that cannot be compromised at any cost.
The problem with this is that sometimes with exceptional talents they are ready even at 17. I don't want Utd to rule those types of players out from the first team because it might destroy their confidence if it goes wrong for them. I think if you are going to pick a young player to promote doing so while they are full of confidence, in a purple patch and bang in form might be the best way of giving them a chance to live up to the expectation.
Ultimately this is why the manager has to decide who plays rather than introducing some formula of age/under 23 games/loan spells. The question is, is he good enough and the only way he can show evidence that he is for the moment, is by tearing it up in the youth teams and if he does that then the manager decides to give him a try or not.
Ole hails Hugill's performance after his four goals against Liverpool:
“Four goals by Hugill, he’s a top striker as well, we’re looking forward to seeing his development,”
“Amad gets a good start and why Joe didn’t take the penalty himself to get five goals I’m going to ask him."
“Amad will open up defences, so I don’t think it’s gonna be too long before he’s involved in a matchday squad."
“We’re gonna give him the time to settle in. If we go from that game, I’d pick Joe Hugill.”