Erik ten Hag has sent Ruben Amorim clear message over Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho

Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho could both leave before the transfer window closes, and the Red Devils may be left red-faced in familiar fashion

Manchester United risk facing yet another transfer embarrassment if they opt to offload Kobbie Mainoo as well as Alejandro Garnacho before the transfer deadline. Such moves could provide Erik ten Hag with another opportunity to be vindicated nearly 12 months after his sacking.

A troubling trend has developed, with players who struggled to flourish at United being loaned out or sold, only to excel at their new teams. Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa) and Antony (Real Betis) both experienced revivals during loan spells last term, while Anthony Elanga, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alvaro Carreras have undergone comparable upturns after leaving.

However, no case looks more regrettable than Scott McTominay. That's after the Scot claimed the Serie A Player of the Year award after steering Napoli to the league crown in his debut campaign off the back of departing United.

Given those examples, it's easy to imagine how rival clubs might extract superior performances from promising youngsters like Mainoo and Garnacho should they depart before Monday. And Ten Hag was transparent about his feelings regarding McTominay's switch to Naples last summer, insisting it wasn't his choice.

"I am a little mixed. I am very happy for him but I would prefer not to lose him because he was so important for our team," he told reporters shortly after the sale.

"He was at Manchester United for over 22 years. But unfortunately, it's the rules. You have to discuss the rules to do sales. Obviously, homegrown players, academy players, bring more value.

"It's not the right thing to do, but for everyone, for all parts, it's a good deal. For Scott, he is happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player, but also for us."

Ten Hag, who handed Mainoo his senior debut at United, heaped praise on the midfielder in August 2024 when he suggested the youngster possessed the qualities to eventually become a "perfect midfielder." That assessment related to the youngster's capacity to excel in all facets of his central role.

Previously hailed as the most promising talent to emerge from United's youth setup in recent memory, Mainoo now finds himself marginalised under Ruben Amorim. The 20-year-old hasn't featured in the Premier League this season and has sought a move to Napoli too, though United are believed to have blocked that prospect for now.

Garnacho was also championed by his former manager before his standing at Old Trafford plummeted, with the player now destined for a switch to Chelsea. Just 12 months ago, Ten Hag was effusive in his praise of Garnacho, positioning him as one of United's most precious assets.

When the Dutchman was questioned last summer about whether the South American could become one of football's elite, he replied: "A world-class player? He has to go a long way. He has high potential.

"He showed last season he can contribute and be a starting XI player. To make the jump and become a world-class player, it starts with very hard work. That brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to being that world-class player. I agree he has the potential."

Garnacho's attitude appears to have put him in Amorim's bad books ahead of what seems a probable switch to west London. The Argentinian was forced to train separately from the main group in December 2024, coinciding with reports he and his brother were connected to allegations someone within the team was leaking tactical information.

Across the last two campaigns, only skipper Bruno Fernandes (34 goals) and frontman Rasmus Hojlund (26) have netted more times than Garnacho (21) among United players. For a side that has struggled going forward, it's understandable why some fans don't want to see the winger go.

United faced ridicule from supporters for offloading McTominay for under £30million considering his rapid success in Italy. Mainoo might remain for now, but there's genuine concern the £40m price-tag placed on 21-year-old Chelsea-bound Garnacho suggests the same mistake could happen again.