WORKLOAD STARTS TO DULL UNITED'S BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS

UNITED hope they are the future and that is why in a summer of major upheaval they are among the very few players in this squad with a not-for-sale sign slapped above their heads.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have all had their moments in a disappointing season and they did combine for an iconic image.

That photograph of the three of them sitting on the advertising hoardings at Old Trafford during the 3-0 win against West Ham immediately went viral. It came during a more encouraging run of form and hinted at a promising present and a wonderful future. It hasn't been so gloriously easy since then.

As United stumble towards the end of a season to forget (a shock FA Cup final result notwithstanding), the three players they have staked so much on are beginning to suffer.

A combination of injuries and poor form from more seasoned players has forced Mainoo, Garnacho and Hojlund into action again and again.

There is no doubt all three are in Erik ten Hag's strongest team right now and that is why they are playing every week, but that workload has taken its toll. Garnacho has lost the fizz from his game, Mainoo isn't making quite the impact he was three months ago and Hojlund is struggling to impose himself in the Premier League.