Sir Alex Ferguson – I am delighted with what’s happened with two Manchester United players over the past year

Sir Alex Ferguson – I am delighted with what’s happened with two Manchester United players over the past year

Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with what’s happened with two Manchester United players over the past year, believing it’s something Sir Matt Busby would have done.

Manchester United endured another difficult season during 2023/24, with the progress Erik ten Hag made during his debut campaign largely thrown away.

The manager was hamstrung by a severe injury crisis but that couldn’t excuse a long string of dreadful results and even worse performances.

However, a dramatic FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City helped save Ten Hag’s job when he looked likely for the sack, as did the other bright point of an otherwise dreary campaign.

The Dutchman has delivered on one promise he made when becoming manager and that was to give the club’s talented youngsters a chance.

Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were by far the highlights of the season, with the prodigal duo putting in performances that far surpassed most of their senior teammates.

Both have become guaranteed names in the starting XI and have flourished with the trust shown in them by the manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson has adored seeing two promising youngsters given an opportunity and being brave enough to take it.

Goal-scorers Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United after their sides 2-1 win during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Man…
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Sir Alex Ferguson gives his verdict on Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho
When asked for his thoughts on the duo and their fearlessness, Ferguson told jnmediauk on Instagram: “It’s the foundation, isn’t it?

“It’s the heart and soul of what Manchester United has ever been since the days of Sir Matt Busby.

“Who started the whole process of trusting young players playing.

“They’re young. They’ve both shown they have the composure and the confidence to play in the first team.

“They’ve not been daunted by it – it shows the kind of courage they have.

“It’s a distinction in human beings. Some have the wherewithal to do that and others don’t have, you’re talking about the characteristics of human beings.”

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The future is looking increasingly bright
The jury is still out on Ten Hag. The executioner’s hand may have been stayed but he’s still holding the axe and having a few practice swings.

The pressure on the manager has never been higher. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos may have relented to fan pressure not to sack the manager after the FA Cup win but it’s hard to see them allowing another putrid run of results go unanswered.

The acquisition of Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant manager has a distinct feeling of Ten Hag’s replacement already being close to hand.

Yet, regardless of who is in charge, the future is looking increasingly bright at Old Trafford.

United have finally started to deliver on the aim of signing promising talent, with the additions of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro already this summer to complement Mainoo and Garnacho.

If United continue to look for talent of that age and profile and Ten Hag continues to nurture academy talent, the good times may eventually return.

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