Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have been told to forget any hope of being voted the world’s best young player – despite their heroics for Manchester United.Garnacho, 20, and Mainoo, 19, have emerged as two of United’s most exciting young prospects and established themselves as key players for Erik ten Hag’s emerging team.
But former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit reckons there will only be one winner of the Kopa trophy – awarded to the world’s best young player – and Garnacho and Mainoo are not in the running.
“Mainoo and Garnacho are two great young prospects,” said Petit. “These are the players that have been putting in the best performances for Manchester United, outshining their senior colleagues.
“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.
“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.”