By Steve Bott
THEY may not be the Class of 92, but Kobbie Mainoo and his Youth Cup-winning team mates are getting there.
Skipper Rhys Bennet led by example, scoring United’s first goal against Nottingham Forest in that final played in front of a 60,000 record crowd at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho, who has already made the United first team squad, didn’t do much in the first half, seeing little of the ball out on the left wing. But the Spaniard dazzled towards the end of the second half as he scored a wonderful solo goal, dribbling his way past a couple of defenders in the penalty box before firing home in style.
Garnacho also scored from the penalty spot as United’s youngsters despatched Forest 3-1 to record a famous and comfortable 3-1 win.
Mainoo, who hails from Stockport, caught the eye of many in the crowd with his speed, agility and ability to get forward from his midfield defensive position, getting in one great shot early on to test Forest keeper Aaron Bott.
Mainoo did not make the United squad for their pre-season friendlies but new manager Erik Ten Hag showed that he has an eye on the kids as he bloodied several others, including winger Fecundo Pellistri in the opener against Liverpool which United won handsomely 4-0.
Mainoo and his young team mates are making steady progress in the Under 18 and Under 23 development programmes and over the next couple of years will hopefully show and achieve their full first team potential.
If any of them can mature half as well as that Class of 92 it would be a huge bonus for the club as they seek to climb back to their rightful position amongst the world’s best.
WHEEL2WHEEL REPORTS 