Updated:
Jan 27, 2023
Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Alejandro Garnacho to tie the youngster down to a long-term deal. This is an essential piece of business the club should look to do this season as the youngster has been brilliant in his breakthrough season at the club. The 18-year-old joined the club from Atletico Madrid in May 2020. United paid the Spanish club a fee of £420,000, which seems like a bargain after his impressive start.
Impressive Performances in Reserves
Garnacho produced brilliant performances in the youth setup and played a huge role in the club’s FA Youth Cup win last season. The Argentinian was introduced to the first-team last season by interim manager Ralf Rangnick. He made his debut against Chelsea at Old Trafford when he came on as a substitute in stoppage time. Everyone e at the club was impressed by the youngster and he was given a chance by Erik Ten Hag as he joined the first-team on pre-season tour. It was reported that we were late for a team meeting. It is understood Ten Hag was not happy with Garnacho’s attitude and this is something the youngster has improved throughout this season. He was given his first start this season in the Europa League and Ten Hag stated he was happy with the youngster’s progress and improvement in attitude.
The manager also deserves praise as he has clearly set standards for the players and if they do not follow the rules, they will suffer the consequences. Another example of this is when Ten Hag dropped Marcus Rashford against Wolves as he also turned up late for a meeting and overslept. Rashford was then brought on in the second half by Ten Hag and scored the winner for United which is another decision Ten Hag got right. The Dutchman has shown he is a good man-manager and he seems to have a close relationship with most of the players. A precedent has also been set for the youngsters at the club who now know they must oblige to the manager’s rules.
Brilliant impact off the bench
Garnacho has taken his chance well with United’s lack of depth in the attacking department recently. Jadon Sancho has not been part of the squad as he underwent an individual program set by Ten Hag to improve his fitness levels and get him back to his best. This reset is something Sancho needed as he has not met the high expectations he set for himself since joining the club last year. Anthony Martial’s fitness issues has meant the manager has had to tweak the forward line slightly with Rashford sometimes starting in the number nine role. This has opened up a place in the squad for Garnacho and he has been given regular minutes in United’s games recently off the bench.
The youngster has generally made an impact off the bench and has played on the left wing. He plays without fear and is direct which is everything United fans want to see when a young player comes into the side. Garnacho’s biggest impact this season was when he came on in the second half against Fulham and scored the winner. The winger played a nice one-touch pass with Christian Eriksen and then poked the ball into the back of the net. This proved he has the ability to change the course of games when he comes on which puts him ahead of the likes of Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellestri.
The manager recently brought him on in the Manchester derby and Garnacho played a crucial role in United’s win. He provided the assist for Rashford’s winner as he ran into the box and turned Nathan Ake to put the ball on a plate for Rashford to finish off. The youngster has now established himself as a regular member of United’s squad and with the talent he possesses, it is intriguing to see what he can do for the team this season.
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