Manchester United duo named on shortlist for prestigious Kopa Trophy award

Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have been included on the shortlist for the 2024 Kopa Trophy.

The Kopa Trophy is an award presented to the best performing player under the age of 21 during a joint ceremony with the Ballon d'Or. Previous winners include the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and even United defender Matthijs de Ligt, who scooped the gong in 2019.

Mainoo has enjoyed a sharp rise in 2024, establishing himself as a first-team regular at United. Last season, he scored five goals, including what turned out to be the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley in May.

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After making his full Premier League debut against Everton at Goodison Park last November, the academy graduate soon forced his way into the England squad and was selected for the European Championship. Despite failing to start any of the Three Lions' group games, he started each of their four knockout matches at the tournament, including the final. He was nothing short of sensational in the semi-final victory over the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Garnacho has developed at a rate of knots over the last 12 months or so, becoming an indispensable figure for Erik ten Hag. He scored 10 goals last season, the last of which was the opener in the FA Cup final, and chalked up five assists.

His performances meant he spent the summer with the Argentina squad at the Copa America. The winger made one appearance as the 2022 World Cup winners won the tournament.

The duo have been joined on the shortlist by City winger Savinho. He joined the Blues