The youthful trio have all hit form at a crucial stage of the season and have given the Red Devils hope of finishing a dismal campaign on a high
Manchester United fans have not had many reasons to smile this season, but surely even the most pessimistic supporter could not stop grinning at the sight of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund sitting together on the Old Trafford advertising boards during the rampant 3-0 win over West Ham.
Garnacho may have been mimicking a Cristiano Ronaldo celebration after grabbing United's second goal of the game, but Hojlund and Mainoo rushing over to join the goalscorer spoke of a bond between United's bright young new generation.
The trio had been the outstanding players – along with the unfortunately injured Lisandro Martinez – in one of United's best performances of the season on Sunday, and there is a real sense of belief that they can spur the Red Devils on to great things, ensuring Erik ten Hag's side end a harrowing campaign on a high note.
Hojlund, Mainoo and Garnacho also played their part in the nail-biting 4-3 win at Wolves three days earlier, and United will again look to these three young musketeers when they visit Aston Villa on Sunday, when their hopes of finishing in the top four and returning to the Champions League will be on the line.
GETTY'What we need'
Ten Hag might not be prone to belly laughs like Jurgen Klopp or known for fist-pumping celebrations like Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola, but as he watched his three youngsters having the time of their lives, he could not help but grin like a Cheshire cat.
"I think that picture encompasses a lot and when they are together that is how we want to play football, with that adventure," the manager said. "With that celebration, I liked it. It is showing we are doing it [with] togetherness. Every game, it looks like they are growing, they are improving and adapt to a higher level. That is what we need at Manchester United."
Garnacho's deflected goal which sparked the already iconic celebration gave United a two-goal cushion, and the Argentina forward rounded off a day to remember by scoring his side's third and final goal with the help of Hojlund, who combined with Scott McTominay to win the ball back in West Ham's half. It was a fitting way to crown stunning performances from the two forwards, as well as Mainoo.
The teenage midfielder had built on his spectacular winning goal in the 97th minute against Wolves with a mature and daring display against West Ham, dictating United's play after being given licence to roam thanks to Casemiro sitting deeper to protect the back four.
"The goal tells us a lot about young players, very young, I would say. But they get used to the Premier League standards, they can do it," Ten Hag said.
AdvertisementGetty Playing with adventure
United has always been a fertile breeding ground for young players, dating back to the 'Busby Babes' of the 1950s and 1960s, and passing through the celebrated 'Class of '92' containing David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers.
Ten Hag is a fitting coach to lead the latest revolution of youngsters as he made his name as a manager by blooding talented teenagers such as Matthjis de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Donny van de Beek at Ajax, taking the team to the brink of a Champions League final.
That Ajax team also had seasoned operators like Daley Blind and Dusan Tadic among their ranks, and Ten Hag knows it is up to the likes of Casemiro and captain Bruno Fernandes to get the best out of this latest golden generation.
"We are building a team, we signed young players, and we give them opportunities," Ten Hag added. "This is a process with ups and downs and we have to realise this. Our experienced players will help them, and we need them and they will help the young players perform.
"The future for Manchester United is very good because we have high potential. They are together and want to play football with adventure and enjoyment."
GettyForging strong bonds
The 'togetherness' Ten Hag spoke of between Hojlund, Mainoo and Garnacho, which is now being seen on the pitch, is the product of a close relationship off it. Mainoo and Garnacho have known each other for close to four years, with the midfielder, who grew up in Stockport, moving to United's academy when he was nine years old.
Garnacho joined him in the club's youth set-up in September 2020, and their bond was truly forged during their triumphant FA Youth Cup run the following season. Both players started every game, with the latter stages being played at Old Trafford. And when Mainoo scored the winning goal at Molineux, it was Garnacho – who had been substituted – who sprinted from the sidelines and on to the pitch to celebrate with his friend.
Hojlund is the newest recruit after his £72 million ($90m) move from Atalanta, but he has taken little time to form a friendship with Mainoo and Garnacho. "We enjoy spending time together. The young guys have a little group where we're chatting to each other and it's very cool to have other young players around the team," the striker said after the win at Wolves.
"Hopefully we can set an era for the club and be here many years together. If you're good enough, you're old enough and I think that's a good thing. We're here for a reason."
Hojlund's bond with Garnacho could be seen in their post-match interview after downing West Ham, which the pair conducted while cuddling each other.
Getty ImagesHojlund realising his potential
Hojlund had got the ball rolling against West Ham with a lethal finish from just inside the area, and his guitar celebration demonstrated a young player who is relishing finally taking centre stage after a slow start. He had to wait more than four months after his big-money arrival to score his first Premier League goal, although it was almost worth it as his strike snatched victory over Villa.
Hojlund had shone in the Champions League, scoring five goals, but his domestic goal drought seemed to illustrate the fact he was still a rough diamond and the burden he was facing in being asked to lead United's attack despite his young age and inexperience.
He has had little back-up as Anthony Martial is perennially injured, while Marcus Rashford has made it clear he does not enjoy playing at centre-forward and has been rather ineffective when he has played there.
Indeed, United's last defeat came at Nottingham Forest, when Hojlund was unavailable due to illness, showing their unhealthy reliance on him. Rashford's steady return to form, not withstanding his ill-advised behaviour off-the-pitch, has helped Hojlund settle, but his thriving relationship with Garnacho has even more potential.
“I have always believed in myself, it has just been about getting the rhythm going,” he said. “You get one goal, then two and get a bit of momentum and start linking up with the players. About a month ago, Garna and I did an interview on the pitch and he said there was a lot of talk about us not scoring enough goals, but we’re still young."