Man Utd Great Backs Rising Stars Mainoo and Garnacho to Revive Manchester United’s Fortunes

Manchester United great Brian McClair believes the best is yet to come from rising stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

United’s Tough Start and Rising Expectations for Young Talent

Both players are yet to showcase their skills this season, as Utd have had an appalling start to the campaign, already suffering two defeats in the hands of Brighton and Liverpool.

But McClair is confident that the pair will bounce back and be pivotal in turning around the club’s fortunes.

Teenage terror Mainoo dazzled in his first proper season in the Premier League last term, and then the 19-year-old sparkled for England as they reached the Euro 2024 final in Germany this summer.

Meanwhile, fellow Old Trafford Academy graduate and Argentina international Garnacho, 20, bagged ten goals last season in his breakthrough season at the club.

Image Credits: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Mainoo’s Breakout Season and European Impact

“He’s (Mainoo) a great player,” McClair told SportsBoom.com.

“What I like about him is that he shows no fear. Good players always want the ball – and he always wants the ball, whether he plays for Manchester United or England.”

Mainoo made his Premier League debut for United in February 2023 as an 80th minute substitute in a 3-0 home win over Leicester City.

But last season he played 32 games for the club in all competitions, with 24 Premier League appearances and valuable Champions League experience under his belt.

He finished the season by starting five of England’s Euro 2024 games in his country’s magical run of the final.

“I just couldn’t understand why Gareth Southgate was taking him off in games because, for me, he seemed to be one of the most productive players they (England) had," admitted McClair, capped 30 times for Scotland.

“(Manchester United legend) Paddy Crerand has always said ‘you’re either good enough or you’re not, it doesn’t matter what your age is’. And I agree with that, if you’re old enough and good enough, then play.”

“He’s a really good player and he’s shown that with his performances.”

“He’s going to get better, there’s no doubts about that. He’s a real talent.”

Garnacho’s Growth and Goal-Scoring Promise

McClair famously won four Premier League titles with United as well as ten other pieces of silverware during a glittering 11-year career at the club.

The former Celtic and Scotland international would love nothing more than the Red Devils to get back to doing what they used to do best – winning trophies.

McClair believes Garnacho is an important player as the Red Devils look to get back on track after a disappointing eighth place finish last term with 14 defeats in the Premier League from 38 games.

Image Credits: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

“I think we always knew that Garnacho was going to be a good player,” added McClair.

“But I think he just needed to resolve the situation with staying on his feet a bit more.”

“When he’s got the ball, particularly in one versus one situations, and when he gets into the box, well he’s a real danger.”

“You’d expect to see him develop and have a good season for United.”