3 Manchester United players who could win the Ballon d'Or in the future

As Erik ten Hag is currently building his perfect project for the long-term, here are 3 Manchester United players who could win the Ballon d'Or in the future...
Manchester United v Manchester City - 2024 FA Community Shield
Manchester United v Manchester City - 2024 FA Community Shield / David Rogers/GettyImages
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With the Ballon d'Or set to be decided towards the end of October, it is safe to say with almost that a Manchester United player will not win the prestigious award this year. In truth, the award can oftentimes be decided based on team success (albeit an individual's contributions towards that) and Manchester United have simply not won enough this year to be considered.

However, under Erik ten Hag, the future does look bright for Manchester United. As they hope to build on FA Cup-winning momentum with a bright young squad, Man United are undergoing a project to return to their glory days.

So, looking ahead to the very-distant future, here are 3 current Manchester United players who could genuinely win the Ballon d'Or in the future.


3 Manchester United players who could win the Ballon d'Or in the future

1. Alejandro Garnacho

Perhaps the most likely Manchester United player to win the Ballon d'Or (albeit, that doesn't mean the chances are massively high) is Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentina international is Manchester United's best player currently and he is emerging as a real fan favourite.

An interesting lens through which to view this is that Garnacho plays for one of the best international teams in the world. Argentina are always tipped to win big and with players like Garnacho, they are even preparing for their post-Messi era. So, with that said, do not write off Garnacho for a Ballon d'Or win at some point down the line.

Garnacho is just 20 years old and since breaking into the Manchester United first team, has established himself as a mainstay. For the new upcoming season, Garnacho will play an important role, as he is expected to do for many years down the lines. He will certainly be a star but hopefully he continues to be a star at Old Trafford and nowhere else.


2. Kobbie Mainoo

It must be said that throughout the history of the award, the Ballon d'Or has typically favoured attacking players. There are signs of this changing recently, with Luka Modric winning the award and Rodri being a genuine contender in 2024.

Kobbie Mainoo is certainly a Man United player to keep an eye on going forward. That said, it's pretty impossible to take your eye off the exceptional midfielder, so that might be an easy task.

Mainoo broke through the Manchester United academy and was one of their standout players in the 2023/24 season. It was a breath of fresh air to watch the teenager play on the biggest stage in a mature manner, which transcended to the England national team at the Euros too. At just 19, the world is at Mainoo's feet.


3. Rasmus Hojlund

When Manchester United signed Rasmus Hojlund, they fully anticipated they would be signing a future world-beater. In truth, he took some time to adjust to Manchester United but he finished last season with 15 goals across all competitions, a respectable tally, particularly when a third of them came in the Champions League.

Hojlund has great movement for a striker, which allows him to find and exploit pockets of space which others would never notice. As a great goal-scorer who boasts exceptional strength, he is the third most likely Manchester United player to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.

Do you envision any current Manchester United players winning the Ballon d'Or in the future?


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