I remember reading an interview with Van Gaal, in which he said that first-teamers not getting minutes should be playing for the Reserves to keep sharp.
These days, even seniors coming back from injury play in PL2, and many would throw the toys out of the cot if asked, I'd imagine.
Not sure what to do. Would love to see the second team be the building ground for the tactics of the first team, but it has to be balanced with producing players ready for the professional game at all standards, which is not quite the same thing.
Entering those cups was a good idea overall, even if it resulted in teams resting loads of players and very little atmosphere, it still gave a sense of what it is like playing against men rather than other youths.
I still think things were better overall with the old system of the Reserves, A and B teams.
