Man Utd pair told to 'forget about it' amid running for world's best young player award

Manchester United youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have been told they shouldn't hold their breath for the Kopa trophy, the accolade for the world's best young player.

While both Garnacho, 20, and Mainoo, 19, have been standout talents in Erik ten Hag's squad, Emmanuel Petit has made it clear that there's a different name on everyone's lips when it comes to this year's award.

"Mainoo and Garnacho are two great young prospects," Petit acknowledged, praising their contributions to Manchester United's recent form. "These are the players that have been putting in the best performances for Manchester United, outshining their senior colleagues."

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However, he was unequivocal about their chances: "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."

Petit highlighted Yamal's exceptional year and his performance at an international tournament for Spain as reasons why he stands out from the crowd. "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."

Despite dismissing Garnacho and Mainoo's shot at the Kopa trophy, Petit did not shy away from commending Ten Hag for his role in developing such promising talent at United.

"Ten Hag absolutely deserves credit for giving younger players an opportunity," Petit voiced. "You cannot say that everything Ten Hag has done so far has been bad. Definitely not.

"Ten Hag is not the only one responsible for the situation at United. He has tried to do his best in a difficult environment at United. I think he should be very upset about the behavior of some of his senior players and I think he has tried to add some discipline to the club. We've seen that in his management."

"It's a pity that the youngest players have to set the right example on the pitch. I want to see senior players taking some responsibility. We're talking about some players that have won absolutely everything in the game; huge, huge medals, and they're giving him nothing."

"Ten Hag has made mistakes, of course he has, but he's been let down by some very experienced players far too often."