Former Manchester United star Juan Mata believes the future is bright at the Premier League giants with Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund going from strength to strength.
The trio have arguably been Erik ten hag’s three best performers during a run of seven wins in nine games to start 2024. And while that obviously has negative connotations too – three youngsters stepping up while Manchester United’s senior stars struggle for form – it also speaks volumes about the Red Devils ability to spot and nurture talent.
Garnacho was snapped up for less than £500,000, and has reached double figures for goals and assists in 2023/24. Kobbie Mainoo, the most composed of all Man United’s midfielders at the age of just 18, only made his senior debut in November.
Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, arrived from Atalanta with just one season in a major European league under his belt but is already breaking records. Not only Man United records but Premier League records too, becoming the youngest player ever to score in six successive top-flight games against Luton Town in February.
And with Hojlund the oldest of the three at just 21, no wonder Juan Mata is excited to see what the future holds at Old Trafford.
Juan Mata excited about Manchester United future
“Very good,” Mata tells AS of the three rising stars. “I know Alejandro, and I know how good he is. I think he is showing great maturity, mentality and consistency in many games. He is emerging as an important player, which is something I am very happy about.
“I didn’t know Mainoo when he was in the youth team, but he is a very positive surprise. He seems like a very good player. Rasmus is a different situation, since they paid a significant sum of money for him and he had some pressure at the beginning.
“But, once he scored the first goal, he hasn’t stopped doing it. He seems like a very strong forward, with a lot of confidence.”
No Rasmus Hojlund for Manchester derby
United will be without Hojlund, however, for tomorrow’s Manchester derby trip to City. Still, there is a rare feeling of optimism at United these days, thanks largely to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s promise of brighter days to come.
“I hope it goes great,” Mata says of Ineos’ investment. “I have a lot of appreciation for the club after my time there, for Manchester and the people there, for the club’s workers.
“These last few years have not been the best in terms of performances and dynamics, so I hope this is a truly positive change, which returns the club to where it deserves to be, which is fighting for the big titles.
“A club with the history and heritage of Manchester United should always be at the top of football. So I hope it will be again.”
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