It was the happy picture that was meant to usher in a new era of hope, rejuvenation and redemption for Manchester United.
But that iconic shot of Alejandro Garnacho flanked by fellow youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund on the advertising hoarding in front of the Stretford End back in February 2024 now stands as another stark reminder of the chaos that’s engulfed United in the last couple of years.
It should have been a signpost for better days ahead, a beacon of hope for three young stars and a behemoth of a club still trying to find its way out of the wilderness.
Yet it simply illustrates how dreams can quickly fade and die in the fast-changing tides of Old Trafford.
For two of those young stars with potentially glorious United careers ahead of them, Garnacho and Hojlund, the promise has turned to pain.
And the third - Mainoo - is by no means guaranteed to be the exception in a story that highlights the caution needed whenever United appear to be making forward strides.
Mainoo Doubts Remain as Garnacho and Hojlund Could Leave Man United
Kobbie Mainoo in action for Manchester United
With Chelsea keen to sign Garnacho, he’s unlikely to play for the club. By contrast, Hojlund wants to stay, but after big spending on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeuno and Benjamin Sesko, and with Joshua Zirkzee also in the mix, United are now better stocked with strikers.
Club officials say Hojlund - signed for £72million from Atalanta two years ago - has been hard-working, professional and popular in the dressing room, but AC Milan are showing increasing interest in the star who will find his opportunities severely limited if he stays..
Many feel that’s harsh on the young Danish international who carried the can for United’s lack of goals and ruthlessness last season when what he really needed was help, not criticism.
And then there’s Mainoo.
Fast-tracked into the England team for the 2024 Euros in Germany in his first full season at United, Mainoo’s career felt like it stuttered last season.
There was even talk the Stockport-born 20-year-old could be a PSR casualty with United on the limit of their allowances, but with Garnacho leaving Mainoo isn’t under immediate threat.
That said, when the window closes and books have to be balanced will Mainoo again be a player who has more benefit in PSR terms than playing value to Amorim?
The burning issue for the youngster is where he plays in an attacking midfield that now boasts Fernandes, Cunha, Mbueno, Amad and Mount.
Amorim has stressed Mainoo can play in the holding role but admits he’s better further forward, "nearer the ball”.
Although the United boss acknowledges Mainoo is a “big talent”, he still believes there is more to come with the midfielder needing to increase the speed and tempo with which he plays.
With United out of Europe, Amorim has stressed that with only one game per week this season the competition for midfield places means big talent or not, if Mainoo doesn’t deliver what the manager wants in games and in training he could find himself on the fringes.
And with United fans protective of their proud record of nurturing, promoting and playing homegrown stars, some worry that Mainoo too could be sacrificed in the future with PSR sure to rear its head after another big summer spend.
Man Utd Think Leny Yoro Could be the 'New Rio Ferdinand'
Manchester United defender Leny Yoro in action
Plenty of players caught the eye of Ruben Amorim in pre-season but one player showed he’s emerging into the top-class star that was envisaged when he signed.
And privately, Amorim is genuinely excited that if his progress continues, Leny Yoro, still only 19, will develop into one of the best centre-backs around.
The teenager, a £52million signing last summer, showed in pre-season why Real Madrid are kicking themselves for missing out on him a year ago.
Yoro was on Madrid’s radar when the Red Devils opened negotiations with Lille last year, but the Spanish giants had other priorities which allowed United to seal a deal.
Leny Yoro Man Utd Statistics 2024-25
Although Amorim and his coaching team are working on Yoro’s defensive capabilities they have been blown away by his skill level, especially in tight spaces, and are confident he will emerge as the new Rio Ferdinand.
Even after the departures of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof in the last year, United are well blessed for defenders.
And Yoro’s development has been so quick and impressive he’s sure to be a guaranteed starter against Arsenal on Sunday - along with Mathijs de Ligt - with stars like Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw less certain of a regular place.
The same might go for World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez who has been unlucky with injuries and will have to prove himself to Amorim once he’s fit.
Bendito Mantato Tipped for Man Utd Fast-Track
Bendito Mantato Manchester United
Mentality is the big plus factor for Ruben Amorim when he’s analysing players.
And that’s why insiders at United’s Carrington training HQ are tipping Bendito Mantato to be fast-tracked to bigger and better things at Old Trafford.
Amorim is already a big fan of the 17-year-old star, who has all the attributes to be a left-wing back having started out as an out-and-out winger.
Mantato has already been around first team training and was included in the Europa League semi-final squad against Atletico Bilbao at the end of last season.
Mantato scored nine goals for the U18s last season and scored twice while chipping in with five assists when he was moved up to the U21s.
And while 14-year-old striker JJ Gabriel - dubbed ‘kid Messi’ - is being tipped as THE one to watch, expect Mantato to be upgraded to the senior team, for Cup games at least, this season.
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