Manchester United started two players on Sunday who were key performers in the 2022 FA Youth Cup winning team in 2022.
Manchester United built a trophy-winning dynasty with the help of the ‘Class of 92’, and when the youngsters won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, there were hopes that similar levels of success may follow.
Well, it’s early days yet, but the signs are positive, with two players from the starting line-up that day, being part of the Premier League team which started against Everton yesterday.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo both lined up at Goodison, having made the transition from Manchester United’s under-18s to the first team.
Garnacho and Mainoo shine
Alejandro Garnacho scored a spectacular overhead kick to give Manchester United the lead, a clear contender for a goal of the season award.
Garnacho made his breakthrough as a Manchester United player a season ago, but this was his best moment yet.
Kobbie Mainoo made his first Premier League start, and looked totally comfortable in the midfield in a high-pressure environment.
Between them, they have saved Manchester United millions. Signing a forward like Garnacho is not straightforward, and if a team wanted to buy him from the Red Devils now, they would have to bid a fortune.
Garnacho, 19, is already an Argentina international, and is already performing at a high level for his club. His future looks incredibly bright.
As for Mainoo, well, we saw Jude Bellingham head to Dortmund for £25 million 2020, and then move for £88 million to Real Madrid this summer. Mainoo is somewhere in between in terms of his development.
He has trained through United’s ranks and looks ready-made for Erik ten Hag’s team. You just can’t buy that.
Who could follow Garnacho and Mainoo to first team
Manchester United will hope Garnacho and Mainoo are not the only players from the 2022 FA Youth Cup side who will break through.
Dan Gore made his first team debut in September, while Isak Hansen-Aaroen is another big midfield talent. Winger Sam Mather is another to watch.
Defenders Rhys Bennett and Louis Jackson also have a chance, while Radek Vitek has the tools to become a future Manchester United number one.
Beyond that, there are special talents in younger age groups, the likes of Shea Lacey, Ethan Williams, Malachi Sharpe, Harry Amass and Gabriele Biancheri.
Garnacho and Mainoo have blazed a path forwards, and it is only a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ more youngsters get opportunities under Erik ten Hag.
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