Two years on since incredible Man Utd moment that 'should excite every fan', one player is clinging on

It’s two years since an iconic photograph was taken at Old Trafford. But two years on, it only represents false hope.

On this day two years ago, Manchester United beat West Ham 3-0 in the 2023/24 season under Erik ten Hag. It was a victory full of optimism.

Rasmus Hojlund scored one goal and Alejandro Garnacho bagged two more.

And one moment appeared to encapsulate the hope sweeping over Old Trafford, when Hojlund, Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo posed together on the advertising hoardings to celebrate a goal.

The three young talents Manchester United could build around. But now only one is clinging on.

THIS picture was supposed to be ICONIC – What went wrong? ✨

The reaction to the iconic photo

The image of three young stars beamed was beamed around the world, and was ‘the photo’ associated with Manchester United’s win. And it became more than that.

The picture represented direction for Manchester United, three young players who the club could build around for the future, who could grow together and lead together.

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For a club that enjoyed the successful trophy-laden years from the ‘Class of 92‘, there was hope that this trio of young stars could lead the club into another glorious new era.

Garnacho and Mainoo had just won the FA Youth Cup together in 2022, while Hojlund was in his first season at the club.

Speaking about it at the time, Mainoo told club media: “I mean, three young players with I believe bright futures and so hopefully it can go on to be an iconic picture and hopefully we can do great things for the club.”

Manager at the time Erik ten Hag beamed: “I think that picture encompasses a lot and, when they are together, that is how we want to play football and with that adventure. They can achieve high levels.”

“Every game, it looks like they are growing, they are improving and adapt to a higher level. That is what we need at Manchester United.

“With that celebration, I liked it. It is showing we are doing it [with] togetherness.”

The I Paper lauded the image, running a headline: “The photo that should excite every Manchester United fan,” adding, “the young guns look ready to blaze United to a brighter future.”

Sky Sports reported: “This was a snapshot of hope, an image to believe better times were ahead.”

With United going on to win the FA Cup Final in 2024, and Garnacho and Mainoo scoring the goals, it looked like everything was on track,

United milked it for all it was worth, getting Garnacho, Mainoo and Hojlund to recreate the image for the club’s 2024/25 season kit launch.

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Garnacho, Mainoo, Hojlund: What happened next

The trio’s fall from grace has been as rapid as their ascent. Alejandro Garnacho was sold to Chelsea, and Rasmus Hojlund has been loaned to Napoli, with an expectation they will buy him.

Kobbie Mainoo is the only one of the trio remaining at the club, and his situation has been miserable at times.

Mainoo was reduced to a minor role at the club under Ruben Amorim. He came off the bench in the Europa League Final in the 90th minute, and did not start a Premier League game all season in 2025/26 until Ruben Amorim was fired.

The key factor in all of this was the sacking of Erik ten Hag in October 2024.

Ten Hag signed Hojlund, and made Mainoo and Garnacho key players in his system.

New head coach Ruben Amorim gave opportunities to all three players, but was left unconvinced, and spectacularly fell out with Garnacho at the end of the season.

Amorim’s sacking at the start of 2026 has given Kobbie Mainoo a lifeline, with current head coach Michael Carrick making clear that he is a big fan.

Mainoo has re-established himself as a Manchester United starter, a key player the club need to build around.

United still need to lock Mainoo down to a long-term contract, but right now there is optimism that an agreement can be reached.

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