‘Got the potential’… Micah Richards says Man Utd wonderkid is one of Ten Hag’s best players

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United’s academy is back in the spotlight with two of Erik ten Hag’s most important players now being graduates.

Over the past month, Manchester United‘s campaign has taken a real turnaround with a handful of impressive results including most notably beating European hopefuls Wolves and West Ham back to back.

In these wins, United scored seven goals with two teenagers playing vital roles in the three points being picked up for Erik ten Hag.

With Kobbie Mainoo being lauded by multiple pundits and former players including Rio Ferdinand, now Alejandro Garnacho has been named as a star.

Here’s what has been said about Garnacho…

Micah Richards tips Alejandro Garnacho for the top

Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast this Friday, Micah Richards was raving about United’s electric Argentine winger.

Richards was asked his views on Garnacho by his co-host Gary Lineker, to which he replied praising the 19-year-old.

“I think he’s got the potential to be anything that he wants to be. And the reason why I say that is not just because of what he does on the field in terms of scoring great goals or the assist or some of his dribbling, he’d come into a team, which is heavily scrutinised in Man United and he’s one of the best players in that team. And a lot of people when they wear that shirt, they can sink, but he almost plays up to the fact that he knows he should be at this level.”

Since his introduction to the first team last year, Garancho immediately looked the part and acted as though he belonged as he clearly was a player brimming with confidence.

His arrival has already been succeeded though with Mainoo following him through the ranks and into Ten Hag’s plans.

Richards also praises Kobbie Mainoo

Richards then continued to discuss United as he mentioned Mainoo as having the same attitude and sense of belonging as Garnacho.

He said: “And it’s a similar thing with Kobbie Mainoo as well where they just relish the task. And that’s how I sometimes can define how someone’s really, as long as they keep their feet on the ground.

“Of course, there are so many different things that go into it, but just taking that responsibility. I think it could be whatever he wants to be done.”

United are lucky to have this pair in the squad, if they hadn’t come through the academy, they’d cost a combined £200m at least right now – but to United this duo is priceless.