Erik ten Hag emphasizes the importance of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo upholding top-level performance at Manchester United.

Newport, Wales – In what has been a largely underwhelming season for Manchester United, two young talents have emerged as shining lights. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have impressed with their performances, but according to manager Erik ten Hag, they face a tough battle to establish themselves in the first team.

Ten Hag praised the progress of Garnacho and Mainoo, acknowledging their brilliant performances so far in their fledgling careers. However, he emphasized that consistency will be their biggest challenge. Speaking to TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand, Ten Hag said, “Incredibly good. But they (Garnacho and Mainoo) are just at the start of their journey, and that is something they need to understand. They are now in the first team, but staying here is much more difficult than getting here, and there will be a big fight for them.”

Garnacho, who has scored seven goals in 37 games across all competitions, including a stunning acrobatic finish against Everton in November, has been a standout performer. Mainoo, on the other hand, has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, featuring 22 times and netting crucial goals against Newport County and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the latter being a superb stoppage-time winner.

United defender Jonny Evans also praised both players, particularly highlighting Mainoo’s impact. Evans recalled his first training session back at the club and immediately noticing Mainoo’s talent. “He’s a top player, and in the session we were playing, he was playing with his head up. As a defender, as soon as a midfielder gets his head up, you’re in trouble. So that was one of the first things that I noticed about him. The two of them have really gone on to make a name for themselves this season, especially.”

As Garnacho and Mainoo continue to impress, their challenge now lies in maintaining their form and securing a permanent place in Manchester United’s first team. With fierce competition and high expectations, their journey has only just begun.