Erik ten Hag described Kobbie Mainoo as 'on his way' to Manchester United's first team at a press conference last month.
The manager touted Mainoo and Garnacho as the brightest prospects from the academy, two players who'd been key in the club's successful FA Youth Cup campaign in 2021/22 and he reiterated the importance of youth development.
"Ajax was the same as Man United in developing young players, giving young players opportunities to work on their personality if they feel that they are good people and they have a good life and they can contribute in society," he said.
"But we want to develop players into the first team. So I think we are also in that perspective in a good way: Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo is also on his way. There is a pathway to the first team but they have to deserve it."
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Garnacho took the plaudits in the Youth Cup but Mainoo was quietly outstanding. His partnership with Dan Gore in midfield was key in that competition and academy staff were increasingly aware of the talent they had on their hands.
Mainoo has been considered the shining light of his age group for some time now. The 18-year-old is quiet and unassuming, but he does his talking in training and a source has described him as 'a real natural talent with high technical ability'.
Those who know him best paint a picture of a grounded, likeable young man. It's been suggested staff would be surprised if he got ahead of himself and sources have indicated he's a very calm character, who takes everything in his stride.
When Mainoo took part in his first training session with the first team, he nonchalantly told a coach 'it was alright' and that he 'did OK'. It's understood two senior players subsequently told that coach he'd actually impressed and held his own.
That is typical of his personality and his family, who have a Ghanaian background, help to keep him grounded. Mainoo has the right people around him and they will soon have a bigger role to play, as he looks to take another step forward.
Mainoo was handed his first-team debut against Charlton in the Carabao Cup on January 10 and Ten Hag said he 'deserved' the start. The manager does not give minutes for charity and Mainoo fought for his debut in training sessions.
That proud moment for the youngster was followed by another, just a few weeks later, when he made his Premier League debut against Leicester. Mainoo replaced Marcel Sabitzer from the bench that day and did not look out of place.
Mainoo, who only just celebrated his 18th birthday in April, has impressed his senior teammates and, crucially, Ten Hag. He's made excellent progress and there's a feeling he could be kept around the first-team, although a loan is also possible. It's understood there was loan interest in Mainoo from top-end League One sides in January but United turned it down.
United have a remarkable record of featuring a homegrown player in every matchday squad for 85 years. Mainoo is the latest academy product to reach the first team and the next, bigger challenge is for him to stay there.
The Stockport-born lad will have opportunities to impress in pre-season fixtures in Oslo, Edinburgh, North America and Dublin and it's only a matter of time before more supporters begin to appreciate the potential of Mainoo.
Mainoo, who has been privately told to closely study how Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen play, can be used anywhere in a midfield three, but it's thought he will be best equipped to play in the No.8 role long-term.
The club's staff have been challenging him in different midfield roles in Under-21 games with a view to accelerating his development and although he's yet to specialise in a position, that is expected to happen in the next 12 months.
There have been plenty of talented players to walk through the academy building doors at Carrington, but Mainoo has the temperament and attitude to make the grade, and his hunger to improve has been noted.
The news of Zidane Iqbal's agreed departure to FC Utrecht for €1million surprised fans on Tuesday night, however, he actually fell behind Mainoo in the pecking order this season and he's two years older than him.
It's understood permanent offers for Mainoo would not be considered and that arguably speaks for itself.
