Bruno Fernandes suggested to Manchester United senior players had difficulty understanding the decision to sell one of the club's most promising young players in the summer.
Despite this, the Red Devils have embarked on a new campaign of low-impact investments in the transfer window which has seen the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte join the club.
The Ten Witch's position is once again under threat. However, the Dutchman still relies on a core group of young players, which includes the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
Considering that the Dutchman was often willing to throw inexperienced players into the fray during his tenure, it was somewhat of a surprise that he was willing to allow the talented Maxi Oyedele to join Legia Warszawa at the end of the season.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a promising loan spell at Forest Green last season, which many, including Fernandes, saw as a precursor to bigger things.
The United captain and Oyedele came face-to-face on Saturday when Portugal met Poland in the Nations League, as the teenager made his senior debut.
After the match, Oyedele swapped shirts with his former teammate and captain, and Fernandes commemorated the encounter with a photo on Instagram with the caption “I'm glad you're doing great things.” You deserve the best, kid.
Fernandes also talked about him in the post-match interview, telling TVP: “I think he was always one of the players that everyone at the club thought would go from the academy to the first team.
“He has great qualities, he's a great kid and really humble.”
Oyedele, a midfielder, was a key part of the United team that won the FA Youth Cup two years ago and looked set to remain part of Ten Hag's plans heading into pre-season.
The Salford-born star, who has a Polish mum and a Nigerian dad, was surprisingly deemed surplus to requirements, but United's loss was largely Legia's gain.
Following the shock departure from Old Trafford and talent, Legia manager Goncalo Feio said: “Oyedele's quality on the ball, his character in maintaining possession and his tactical awareness of when to dribble and when to play are simply significant qualities.
Bruno even noted that he was stunned by United's decision to sell him – given Oyedele's performances in pre-season.
“His physical readiness, agility and ability to use his body effectively are at the highest level.
“While fans love seeing what he can do with the ball, Maxi brings physicality to our midfielder.
“It is our duty to support its development. Polish football can benefit greatly from his talent.
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