Manchester United fans haven’t had much to shout about this season but the breakthrough of Kobbie Mainoo has been a rare bright spot.
United’s midfield looked strong on paper heading into this season.
Champions League winner Casemiro, captain Bruno Fernandes and new signing Mason Mount; it looked exciting to say the very least.
Gary Neville certainly brought into the hype, suggesting that Liverpool would gladly swap their midfield for United’s before the season started.
That certainly isn’t the case now.
Casemiro has regressed massively and Mount has endured an injury-hit debut season at Old Trafford, leaving Fernandes to shoulder much of the midfield burden.
There has been a real breakthrough talent emerging though as Kobbie Mainoo has been a shining light in a disappointing United season.
The 19-year-old has turned in superb performances in the United midfield, showing composure and maturity far beyond his years.
Kobbie Mainoo Young Player of the Season nomination
Mainoo has even broken in the England picture and could land a spot in the squad for Euro 2024 this summer.
That would be a fine reward for his United displays but there could yet be an award coming his way.
The Premier League have now announced the eight candidates for the Young Player of the Season award.
Mainoo is one of them and United fans will be voting in droves to try and secure the award for him.
Mainoo faces some enormous competition though with Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both nominated.
Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are also named, as is Newcastle United’s red-hot goalscorer Alexander Isak.
Add in Tottenham Hotspur left back Destiny Udogie and Chelsea star Cole Palmer, and you begin to see the kind of competition Mainoo faces.
Alejandro Garnacho snubbed
The decision which may leave United fans baffled surrounds Alejandro Garnacho.
Despite hitting seven goals and four assists in 33 Premier League games – and scoring the finest goal of the season – Garnacho has not been nominated.
The 19-year-old surely deserved being in the conversation and United fans may be left questioning the criteria for the award.
Any player 23 or under when the season starts is eligible for the Young Player of the Season award.
Saka has been a first-team regular for Arsenal for nearly five years now whilst Foden has already won the award twice.
Haaland is an established superstar and Isak turns 25 in September, so fans will feel that the award could be framed a little differently.
If it was an award for Under-21 players or those who have enjoyed breakthrough campaigns, Garnacho would surely be in there.
Maybe next year will be the one for Garnacho, with United fans no doubt expecting big things from both him and Mainoo.