Manchester United duo Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are two of the most exciting young players in world football.
The Red Devils have always prided themselves on nurturing talent through the academy and the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are continuing that tradition.
Both youngsters have become regular starters under Erik ten Hag and were arguably two of the club’s best players last season, especially after both scored in United’s 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
They have both continued that form into the new campaign, especially Garnacho who has taken a superstar leap this season with four goals and three assists already, including an exceptional performance in the 7-0 win over Barnsley.
Their meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed, with FIFA announcing earlier this month that Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are on the 10-man shortlist for the Kopa Trophy.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo up for wonderkid award
The Kopa Trophy is a prestigious award given to the best young footballer under 21 years of age. It was introduced in 2018 and players across the globe can be nominated.
The Kopa Trophy will be awarded as part of the Ballon d’Or ceremony next month on October 28.
Jude Bellingham last won the award in 2023, while United’s £38m summer signing Matthijs de Ligt was a previous winner in 2019.
However, former Premier League star Emmanuel Petit has warned Garnacho and Mainoo that they have “no chance” of winning the award this year, despite their success with United.
“Mainoo and Garnacho are two great young prospects,” said Petit via The Mirror.
“These are the players that have been putting in the best performances for Manchester United, outshining their senior colleagues.
“I like the players, but they have no chance of winning this trophy. They can forget all about it. Lamine Yamal is the one. Oh my, what a player.
“He has had an amazing year, and he had an outstanding international tournament for Spain. I was blown away by his maturity at the competition. The way that he took responsibility, the way that he played, he was sensational. If Yamal is on the list, there can only be one winner. I’m sorry guys, but you have no chance.”
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo reaching new levels
After impressing last season as starters, Garnacho and Mainoo are both showing this season that they can take their performances up a gear.
Garnacho is making Cristiano Ronaldo-like strides by upping his output in terms of goals and assists, while Mainoo shone for England at Euro 2024 and has started this season as a key figure in midfield.
READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho sends message after Man Utd 7-0 win, Bruno Fernandes response says it all
At just 19 and 20 years old, they are quickly becoming two of the first names on Ten Hag’s teamsheet and there is still so much time for them to continue developing and improving.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal may be the favourite to win the Kopa Trophy this year, but Garnacho and Mainoo are not far behind the Spaniard at all.
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