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Fulham midfielder impressed by ‘mentally strong’ Manchester United youngsters

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Dale O'Donnell | Last updated 2/22/24

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has praised Manchester United duo Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund for their strong mentality when playing for a club like Manchester United.

The Cottagers travel to Old Trafford this weekend and Cairney is expected to feature in Marco Silva’s starting eleven.

Ahead of the game, Cairney spoke about some of the young stars United have to offer in Erik ten Hag’s side.

“When you’re in that Manchester United shirt and you’ve been bought for a price tag, then there’s a bigger spotlight on you,” said Cairney on the BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast.

“The pressure Garnacho and Hojlund are under week in, week out means that the shirt is heavy. It’s not very forgiving if you have four or five bad games in a row.

“That shows how mentally strong they are, especially Hojlund because to have the start he had and then come back and score in six games in a row shows what mindset he has.”

Cairney is spot on when he talks about the young players at United, so it was only a matter of time before the conversation on the podcast switched to Kobbie Mainoo, who he will be facing in Saturday’s 3pm kick-off.

The 18-year-old has had an incredible breakthrough season at United and is already considered a key player under Ten Hag.

Mainoo has made 11 starting appearances and scored one goal.

“He looks a baller, doesn’t he?” Cairney added.

“I’m mostly impressed by his brain and his game understanding. He’s beyond his years and the way he plays next to Casemiro is brave.

“I wouldn’t say he’s an amazing runner or particularly athletic, but he’s got a tremendous football brain.”

All Garnacho, Hojlund and Mainoo are expected to start against Fulham this weekend.

These are players our new sporting director – still to be hired – should be looking to build the future around.

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This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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