Two Man United stars have been “shining lights” for Erik ten Hag this season, says Liverpool legend

Liverpool legend John Barnes has praised two Manchester United players as “shining lights” within Erik ten Hag’s underperforming squad.

United have been extremely underwhelming as a whole this term. They have been knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup, whilst sitting eighth in the Premier League table.

Many star players have not performed to their best ability; however, there have still been some positives to take within the difficult season thus far.

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Particularly the performances of academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have provided United supporters with joy this term.

It’s always a good feeling to see a youth player be integrated into the first-team squad but it’s not so often that the two players from the academy are the best performing players.

Barnes believes that the 2022 FA Youth Cup winner pair have been the two largest positives at Old Trafford during this dismal season so far.

“Mainoo and Garnacho have been the shining lights for Man Utd under difficult circumstances,” he told mybettingsites.co.uk.

The former Liverpool midfielder went further in his praise of Mainoo, who he describes as ‘mature’ and ‘a breath of fresh air’ at the club.

“He is very mature. Very mature,” added Barnes.”Talk about a No. 6, a defensive midfielder who drives forward, tackles and wins the ball. He’s been one of the shining lights for Man Utd.

“It’s difficult for young players to come into a team that’s not doing well, but his game is about getting stuck in effort and commitment, and if you do that in a team that’s struggling, you will shine.

“He’s been great in front of the back four, screening, passing the ball forwards and driving forwards with the ball. He’s been a breath of fresh air for Manchester United.”