Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo starred for Manchester United in their 3-0 win over West Ham on Sunday afternoon. The trio have stirred up excitement among fans due to their excellent performances in recent weeks, but are the youngsters ready to help United soar up the Premier League table, and secure that all-important Champions League place?
Rasmus Højlund
In recent games, the Danish striker has given Erik Ten Hag’s side exactly what they were missing last season – a focal point up front. The 21-year-old had an impressive Champions League campaign with United earlier in the season, netting five goals before United crashed out in the group stages. However, Højlund had a tougher start to life in the Premier League, as it took 15 appearances to notch his first league goal, which came against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Although the striker received some criticism for his lack of goals early in the season, this could be put down to a lack of service, as his teammates did not create anywhere near enough chances for the Dane early in the season, with crosses into the box few and far between as United had their worst start to a league campaign in 34 years.
Despite his tough start to the season, Højlund has hit his stride in recent weeks, scoring four goals and registering two assists in his last five matches. He has also become the youngest United player to score in four consecutive Premier League games for the club, a feat not even Cristiano Ronaldo achieved.
The former Atalanta forward has shown true poacher’s instincts in front of goal in recent games, getting into good positions in the box and being clinical. There is no doubt that if he can continue his rich vein of form, he will score lots of goals and help United contend for a Champions League spot.
The Dane has the potential to lead the line for the Reds for many years to come.
Kobbie Mainoo
The Stockport-born midfielder is one of the latest United academy products to make the step up to the first team, and he has flourished in Erik Ten Hag’s side.
After an impressive youth career, which included winning the FA Youth Cup in 2022, Mainoo made his Premier League debut at Goodison Park in a 3-0 win over the Toffee’s, in which he received the man of the match award. Since then, the creative midfielder has hit the ground running, establishing himself as a pivotal player in Ten Hag’s side.
He has now started in eight consecutive matches and has impressed throughout his time in the first team, even managing to get on the score sheet twice, with a goal away to Newport County in the FA Cup, and a decisive late winner against Wolves in the Premier League. The young midfielder also won the club’s January Player of the Month award in recognition of his top-class performances.
The 18-year-old has shown that he has the potential to be a huge asset for United for many years to come. He offers his team so much both in and out of possession, creating chances for teammates, making crucial tackles, reading the game expertly and even scoring goals. Mainoo has shown real maturity in recent games, remaining composed in all areas of the pitch. He certainly has not looked like a player who has only recently broken into first-team football.
Teammate Rasmus Højlund hailed the midfielder as a “generational talent” following United’s recent win away to Newport County, which shows just how highly the youngster is regarded at the club.
Mainoo has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League or potentially even the world one day if he can continue to develop under the guidance of Erik Ten Hag.
Alejandro Garnacho
The 19-year-old is another academy product who has become a mainstay in Ten Hag’s starting line-up in recent months. Having spent two years in the United youth system after joining the club from Atlético Madrid, the exciting winger made his Premier League debut back in April 2022. He has since developed into a key player for the Reds, starting most fixtures so far this season.
Garnacho was utilised by Ten Hag on the left wing after he broke into the first team, however, the youngster has been in excellent form playing off the right flank in recent games – somewhat reminiscent of a young Cristiano Ronaldo. Garnacho possesses traits that were present in a young Ronaldo, including lightning pace, agility and skill. He also loves to drive directly at his fullback, striking fear into the hearts of defenders whenever he plays.
The Argentinian has notched seven goals so far this season, including a brace against the Hammers on Sunday, and there is no doubt his tally will continue to grow. He has terrorised defenders in his new role off the right, and will no doubt be an important player for United in the years to come.
So Is Youth the Way to Go?
Young players have played a huge role in Erik Ten Hag’s tenure at United. The Dutchman has handed several exciting prospects their debuts and has consistently shown faith in young players coming through the academy. He is not afraid to rely on young players to win him games, and the likes of Højlund, Mainoo and Garnacho are likely to be key to any success the manager has in his time at the club. By providing opportunities to young players, Ten Hag is continuing the club’s tradition of belief in youth, as the Red Devils have included an academy graduate in every match day squad for the last 85 years. Ten Hag is also following in the footsteps of the great Sir Alex Ferguson, who said: “You win nothing without kids.” It remains to be seen if United’s young talents will get the club back to winning ways, but the future certainly looks bright at Old Trafford.
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