Sir Alex Ferguson says two Man Utd stars are ‘heart and soul’ of the club | Football

They ended on a high however, beating rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final and things are looking brighter under Erik ten Hag and new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Perhaps the biggest upside was the emergence of several new young stars who look set to be key players at Old Trafford for many years to come.

The most notable among them Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, who both scored in the FA Cup final, with the former named Player of the Match.

The box-to-box midfielder only made his first league start last November but quickly established himself as a vital player for the Red Devils, while the winger recorded 10 goals and five assists, including the Premier League Goal of the Season.

They’ve both made a huge impact on the international stage this summer as well, with Garnacho, 20, winning the Copa America with Argentina, while Mainoo, 19, reached the Euro 2024 final with England.

Both have been widely praised, with United’s legendary manager Ferguson now giving them a glowing review.

‘It’s the heart and soul of what Manchester United has been since the days of Sir Matt Busby, who started the whole process of trusting young players playing.

‘They’re young. What they’re showing at the moment, the composure and confidence to play in the first-team, and not be daunted by it.

‘In a way, it shows you the kind of courage they have. It’s a distinction in human beings, some have the will to be that [fearless at a young age].’

Given their heroics with their national teams, both Mainoo and Garnacho are taking a well earned rest and won’t link up with United’s pre-season squad until next month.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.