Manchester United duo named on shortlist for prestigious Kopa Trophy award
Man United youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are among the nominees for the 2024 Kopa Trophy.
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 from Spanish club Girona during the summer, following a campaign that had produced 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. He has registered one assist in his first three appearances for City this season.
The 10-man shortlist also features Spain and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid's Arda Guler and Joao Neves, who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Benfica during the summer. The winner of the award will be announced in Paris on October 28.