Manchester United’s young talents, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, have been named on the six-man shortlist for the 2024 PFA Young Player of the Year award. The shortlist also features Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Michael Olise, and Joao Pedro, all of whom had standout performances in the previous season.
The competition for this year’s award is particularly fierce, with each nominee having made a significant impact. Cole Palmer, in his debut season with Chelsea, is considered a favorite after scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 34 Premier League matches.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho both had breakthrough seasons at Manchester United. Mainoo, despite an ankle injury in preseason, made 24 league appearances and established himself as a key player for both club and country. Garnacho contributed seven goals and four assists across 36 Premier League games, including a crucial goal in United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Bukayo Saka, last year’s winner, had another stellar season with Arsenal, scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists in the Premier League. He also added four goals in the Champions League, bringing him close to a milestone of 50 Premier League goals.
Michael Olise and Joao Pedro round out the nominees. Olise, who moved to Bayern Munich for £52 million, had an impressive season, hitting double figures in the Premier League for the first time. Joao Pedro, despite a hamstring injury, scored nine goals in his debut season with Brighton after a big-money transfer from Watford.
The winner of the PFA Young Player of the Year award will be announced on August 20.
