Finally! Rasmus Hojlund scored his first Premier League goal for Manchester United in a thrilling 3-2 win over Aston Villa. This isn’t your typical Villa side either. A win over Villa this season carries more weight than a win over Chelsea and perhaps as much as a win over any “top 6” club.
The win was quite shocking when put into context. Manchester United looked absolutely dead and buried by half time. The front line seemed incapable of hitting water if they fell out of a boat (RIP John Madden). Meanwhile the defense was in its usual state of utter disarray. God, we need Lisandro Martinez back and fuck me even Harry Maguire. But, shitting on the current squad is not the point of this article. I’m writing to bring a little optimism to one of the worst seasons I’ve ever experienced as a United fan. The optimism I write of is found in 3 young players. Those players are Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo and of course Alejandro Garnacho. I’m also throwing in Willy Kambwala and Amad Diallo as an honorable mentions, both have played outstanding in recent appearances.
Rasmus Hojlund
Since his arrival in Manchester the Danish striker has been hyped up. But, his goal tally has made him appear a sure disappointment. Although, anyone who truly believed that just doesn’t understand football without statistics. Hojlund has failed up until this point to truly make an impact in the way a striker should, he hasn’t scored enough, no denying it. But, from a true ‘eye test’ perspective he’s looked a player with real potential to be one of the great strikers of the next generation.
Rasmus always seems to be in the right positions, he makes runs consistently and even his hold up play has looked quite good for a 20 year old. His work rate and passion have always been on display. And, his 6 goals in the UCL group stage seem to be easily forgotten by most. Rasmus will be the joint highest goal scorer in the Champions League when it resumes for the knock out rounds. He’s shown he can score and score on the biggest stage.
There are several reasons for Hojlund’s lack of goals in the league this season, including a failure by teammates to make that extra pass. But, at the end of the day he has failed to capitalize on the chances presented to him. His go ahead goal over Villa truly felt like a ‘get off my back’ moment and could kick start his career at Old Trafford. Rasmus has what it takes physically and mentally to succeed. His physical presence and pace alone are enough to warrant him time. At only 20 years old I fully expect to see Rasmus as United’s number 9 for a long time.
Kobbie Mainoo
The young English midfielder has been raved about since training camp last summer. Mainoo has drawn attention from plenty of other clubs, although prying him away from Manchester United would be a shock. The defensive midfielder has played a total of 10 matches thus far for Manchester United this season and has looked a real talent in every single one of them. Apart form a healthy IN FORM Casemiro, I’m not sure anyone should be taking the CDM role other than Kobie Mainoo.
There is a reason Eric ten Hag and others were speaking so highly of him in pre season. At only 18 years of age he looks to be a solid first team player already. He looks completely unfazed on the largest of stages. His composure in tight situations is unparalleled currently and he seems to always make the right pass. How he is not starting every game is baffling. I suppose you can make the argument you don’t want to pay an 18 year old too much but Kobie Mainoo is not any 18 year old.
I fully expect to see Mainoo as United’s starting CDM for many years to come and I’m positive he’ll be pulling on the three lions shirt at the senior level soon enough. Although, Mainoo is still eligible to elect to play for Ghana should he choose to.
Mainoo’s greatest attribute may be his personality. Everyone who’s worked with Kobie Mainoo has had nothing but great things to say. Manchester United U-21 coach Travis Binnion said, “He thinks about the game. He’s hard-working. Really popular with his team-mates. He goes about his business in an unassuming manner, then he lets his ability do the talking. He’s never going to be a shouter and a bawler. He’s got a good football brain.” (via The Athletic). Even Christian Eriksen has talked glowingly of Kobie Mainoo in a recent interview with United’s media team (https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/christian-eriksen-impressed-by-exceptional-kobbie-mainoo). There’s no fears of a Jadon Sancho syndrome with Kobie Mainoo. I’m more excited about this kid than anyone on the United squad currently, even Garnacho.
Alejandro Garnacho
I know I just said Kobie Mainoo is the payer I’m most excited about, but that is purely due to the stability a player of his quality in his position can bring to a team overall. As far as superstardom goes, you can look no further than Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentinean youngster is United through and through, so much so he even prefers Cristiano Ronaldo over his own countries messiah Lionel Messi. We’ve all known he would be special from the moment he arrived at the club via the academy. He led the U-18s to a league cup just 2 years ago then proceeded to step right into the first team.
Garnacho has shown a willingness to be patient and learn form his teammates. Specifically, he learned a lot from Cristiano Ronaldo. Say what you will about the Portuguese but he is the GOAT. Anything he can pass on to Garnacho is more than welcome. We’ve seen it, especially with the celebrations, everything Ronaldo has passed on to the young winger. Garnacho looks to have everything it takes to be an absolute mega star on the left wing for United.
I suppose the only thing to look for now is consistency but I believe a lot of that rests on the team as a whole. He has looked capable of scoring and provided some excellent opportunities to his teammates in every game. There is nothing to worry about with this lad. I could continue to go on with stats and analysis of Garnacho but I believe the only thing needed is just a reminder of the goal he scored against Everton this season. If that isn’t the sign of a Galactico than I’m not sure what is.
Honorable Mentions
Willy Kambwala and Amad Diallo are two other youngsters that should be getting your blood pressure going. I felt I needed to mention these two but they haven’t played enough for the first team yet to warrant their own sections. Although I’m sure an article on either one of them will be in order soon enough.
The Ivory Coaste winger Amad Diallo had a fantastic loan spell with Sunderland last season and looked likely to rival Antony for his place at right wing. But an injury in training camp put that all on hold. Now he’s healthy and back in the squad. The young winger has been touted as a real talent since his time with Atalanta and its only a matter of time before he starts proving it in the first team for United. He’s only been kept out of the first team squad through injuries and a congested right wing. But with the departure of Jadon Sancho (Thank God) and the struggles of Antony, its time he is given a run of games. He looked miles ahead of Antony when he came on in the match against Nottingham Forest. I think its time for some Amad, much like its time for Kambwala.
The injury crisis at the centre back position saw Willy Kambwala get his first senior career start this season and he did not disappoint. I thought he looked composed and stout in defense at just 19 years of age. Kambwala has been seen as a superb young talent for many years. He is a French youth international and stands at 6’4 . There isn’t too much to go on apart form his youth career and his two senior matches this season but he sure looked a lot better than any of the lot we’ve had lining up at centre back this season, apart form the injured Martinez of course (still my favorite player).
The Future is Now
All these young players will most likely be with United for years to come and I believe their time has come. The likes of Martial, Antony, Sancho and even Marcus Rashford be damned. The future is now and despite how wretched of a season its been, the future for Manchester United looks bright as fuck.
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