Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United's Diamond That Still Needs To Be Honed
JAKARTA - Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, praised their young player, Alejandro Garnacho. He highlighted Garnacho's courage, maturity, and confidence after scoring a goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
It was his first goal after being out injured for two months. He injured his ankle against Southampton on March 12.
Garnacho actually entered as a substitute. He was brought on in the 82nd minute and became the team's hero through his goal in the 90+4th minute.
"Garna, of course, scored a great goal," said United manager Erik ten Hag. "He came on and then he scored."
"It will give him confidence and it is good for us for the rest of the season because he is back. It will give him confidence and he can make an impact."
"He showed when you score some winning goals, like Fulham, helping against City, for example. Now the second goal, he showed a few things," Ten Hag continued.
Ten Hag said, there are still some shortcomings that Garnacho has. One of them is an effort to help defense.
"Sometimes he lacks defensive transitions, in pressing, he has to improve things like that. Also, when you're going to kick the ball or keep the ball, it's a matter of decisions," said Ten Hag.
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"But I think when you see everything, yes, he is a big talent and he is brave," continued the man from the Netherlands.
The talented 18-year-old has just signed a new contract until 2028. Garnacho arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and was Jimmy Murphy's Young Player of the Year last season after playing a key role in United's FA Youth Cup win.
The young Argentina international has frustrated Ten Hag during pre-season. But now he continues to earn a place in the first team.
"He's had a big impact in a lot of games whether starting or coming on (as a substitute), he's ready, straight into the game and it's very important for your squad to be able to bring in players like this," said Ten Hag.
"I'm delighted to be able to bring in a young player and hopefully he will develop so quickly that he can compete for a starting position because that is the next challenge," concluded the manager.