Manchester United academy chief Nick Cox was delighted seeing Shola Shoretire make his European debut against Real Sociedad last week.
Cox says it was significant Shoretire came on for another academy graduate in Mason Greenwood.
He told manutd.com: "For the staff to see a night like Thursday reminded them why they are associated with the Academy. It really is a wonderful experience for everyone and just gives us all that lift and motivation to keep going at a really tough time.
“For the players, as we've talked about before, there is no more powerful role model than someone just a couple of years older than you. In the same way, it was a lovely moment when Shola replaced Mason. We hope it won't be too long before someone is replacing Shola as sub, who is maybe a couple of years younger than him."
"That chain reaction has always been the way and this week has been a wonderful example of that. Thursday night and Shola's debut last weekend injects positivity into the organisation, which is more important now than it has ever been."
