Alejandro Garnacho Shows Why He Is Here To Stay In Manchester United’s First Team

Since his first team debut earlier this season, Alejandro Garnacho has gone from strength to strength with each passing match he features in.

The 18-year-old Argentinean winger lit up Old Trafford last night against Aston Villa in the EFL Cup, even if he was only on the pitch for 28 minutes. Garnacho’s radian positivity in wanting to beat his man and create chances is everything Man United fans want to see from their winger – and he has it abundance.

While still young and inconsistent, Garnacho has shown he can deliver when called upon. In Manchester United’s crunch group match in the Europa League last week, Erik Ten Hag opted for the Argentinean to start on the left wing. Garnacho repaid the faith shown in him with the opening goal. Unfortunately it was not enough to top the group, but the winger showed bright sparks throughout and wanting to play on the front foot.

Jadon Sancho has not featured for the Red Devils since late-October, but finds himself at the end of criticism from fans and pundits alike. The Englishman, who missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad this week, is too tentative and slow in possession, opting to come back rather than go forward and attack. A lack of confidence is clearly hampering his performances.

So when Garnacho took his chance against Real Sociedad, it was a breath of fresh air for fans to see a young player wanting to make his mark. A player that is clearly fearless with the ball at his feet and has the intuitive thought process of wanting to beat the player standing in his way.

Garnacho will lose possession at times, such is the nature of his high-risk strategy, but he produces electrifying moments as he did last night against Unai Emery’s Villains. As he picked up the ball in his own half, the home support immediately rose to their feet in anticipation of another mazy dribble. And that is exactly what they got.

The winger’s speed, balance and composure took him all the way to Villa’s box, but he just couldn’t find the space to get his shot away. It was a fantastic run that showcased what Garnacho is all about and builds a noise-deafening atmosphere inside Old Trafford.

Garnacho’s not just about speed and dribbling, though. His 91st minute assist for Scott McTominay’s goal, which made the score 4-2, was something outer-worldly. Picking the ball up on the left touchline, the former Atlético Madrid youth player saw the space in front of him and delivered a curling cross into the box for McTominay to attack. It was David Beckham-esque with the way the ball was shaped and inviting.

There is plenty more to come from Garnacho, but Ten Hag and Manchester United’s fans are clearly excited with how far the 18 year old can develop. He has the makings of a generational talent.