"Have the composure and the confidence to play in the first team" - Sir Alex Ferguson heaps praise on 2 breakout Manchester United stars

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has lauded Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo for their performances for the Red Devils last season.

During a recent interview with JN Media UK, he said that the two deserve to play in the senior team of United. Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed the Old Trafford outfit from 1986 to 2013, said:

"They have the composure and the confidence to play in the first team and not be daunted by it and in a good way it shows the courage they have."

As Manchester United's manager, Ferguson won numerous accolades, including two UEFA Champions League, 13 Premier League and five FA Cup titles. He retired in 2013, which was also the last time they won the league title.

Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have been United's breakout stars from last season. Mainoo is a Manchester United academy product, and he has made 35 appearances for the senior team of the Premier League side, bagging five goals and one assist.

He was also a part of the English squad at the 2024 European Championships, where he started four games, as they reached the final. They lost 2-1 against Spain in the summit clash.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho has played 86 matches for the first team of the Old Trafford outfit, scoring 15 goals and assisting nine. The Argentine attacker has also represented the team at the youth level after arriving from Atleti Youth in 2020.

---

Manchester United to allow £80 million to leave on loan deal in summer: Reports

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United will reportedly allow a loan move for Brazilian football star Antony this summer, as per ESPN. The Brazilian winger joined the Red Devils from Eredivisie side Ajax in August 2022 for a reported transfer fee of £80.9 million.

However, the 24-year-old has struggled to settle his feet at Old Trafford and has fallen in the pecking order. Last season, he made 38 appearances for Manchester United across all competitions, bagging three goals and two assists.

Since he arrived at Old Trafford, Antony has played 82 matches, scoring 11 goals and assisting five. Additionally, the 24-year-old earns a whopping £70,000-a-week at United. As a result, the Red Devils will let Antony go on a loan deal if a club is prepared to cover his salary.

With Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee's arrival from Bologna, the Brazilian is unlikely to start games for Erik ten Hag's side in the upcoming season. Apart from Antony, United are currently also involved in a move for English forward Jadon Sancho.