Erik ten Hag insists there is still room for improvement for Man United teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo despite impressing against Everton

Erik ten Hag was full of praise for young starlets Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo after their thrilling performances against Everton – but urged both players not to get ahead of themselves. 

Both of the academy prospects put in zesty shifts at Goodison Park during Man United‘s 3-0 victory against Sean Dyche‘s beleaguered Toffees, with Garnacho netting arguably the goal of the season within the opening five minutes. 

The Argentina international’s jaw-dropping bicycle kick put Man United ahead from the off, with fans from a host of different clubs calling the strike one of the most memorable Premier League goals of all-time. 

18-year-old Mainoo looked equally impressive in midfield and was dubbed ‘best player by a street’ by Man United legend Gary Neville. 

This led to suggestions that the teenager could be a wildcard pick for Gareth Southgate‘s European Championship squad next summer if he can leave his mark on Ten Hag’s side. 

The honour instead went to his team-mate Alejandro Garnacho for his eye-popping strike

Erik ten Hag was keen to keep expectations high with regard to both of the United teenagers

But the Dutch manager insisted that in both cases, the players had more to do, and shared the club’s high expectations for the talents. 

When asked if Mainoo would feature in United’s crunch clash against Galatasaray on Wednesday, Ten Hag said simply: ‘If players are good enough, they are old enough.’ 

‘We are very pleased,’ he continued, ‘but it is one performance. You have to do it on a consistent basis. We are confident he can do it, but you have to prove it. You are only as good as your last game. 

‘Enjoy it first, but keep the focus on the game. Don’t get distracted. It is about the game, focus on your game, your performance and get the right levels in.’ 

On Garnacho, who was named Man of the Match after the final whistle, Ten Hag laughed off the idea that Garnacho might have been practicising the overhead strike, suggesting that it might hamper his wellbeing in other ways. 

‘I don’t know if he has been training that, it won’t be good for his back!’ Ten Hag said. 

‘He has that special talent, but I am more happy for his work off the ball against Everton. 

‘For me, it was his best game. He is going to be such a good player, for his age, for his talent, he can be much better.’

Mainoo was described by Gary Neville as the best player ‘by a street’ in United’s midfield

Both players could be in contention to face Galatasaray in Wednesday’s Champions League tie

The 19-year-old will be keen to build on his six goals and six assists from his last campaign for Manchester United, but thus far has just two goals across all competitions in red. 

As yet unlucky in Europe, Ten Hag will be keen for Garnacho to show off back-to-back lethal performances in Turkey, and bid to save Man United from their imperiled Champions League fate. 

Following defeats against all of their opponents in Group A, the Red Devils sit rock-bottom, and behind Wednesday’s rivals by one point. 

Bayern Munich top the group and have already achieved qualification, with second-place Copenhagen level with Galatasaray but ahead on goal difference.