Erik ten Hag might have already met his most significant signing this summer
Saturday afternoon at Wembley, when Manchester United desperately needed a spark, Erik ten Hag turned to his bench and entrusted Alejandro Garnacho with providing it.
United trailed Manchester City 2-1 with just under thirty minutes remaining, and their chances of thwarting City’s pursuit of a treble were fading. Bruno Fernandes, despite scoring the penalty that brought the Reds level in the first half, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho had failed to make a significant impact on City’s strong and reliable defense, necessitating some type of adjustment.
In the lead-up to the FA Cup final, injuries to Anthony Martial and Antony forced Ten Hag to reshuffle his forward line, with Fernandes starting on the right and Rashford in the middle. If all players had been healthy and available, Antony would have started on the right, Martial in the middle, and Rashford on the left.
However, a front-three with a 30-goal scorer and two high-priced additions should have done more to make City ponder. Pep Guardiola’s squad was not stretched and forced to respond until Garnacho was substituted for Christian Eriksen with 62 minutes remaining.
As soon as he stepped onto the field, the pace of United’s attack and the pendulum shifted, particularly in the final phases as United pressed forward. Garnacho provided Ten Hag with the energy he desired.
Although his efforts were ultimately insufficient to alter the outcome of the competition, it was not for lack of attempting. Every time Garnacho received the ball on the left wing, he appeared dangerous and endeavored to create an opportunity. He put City through more tests in less than a half-hour than Sancho did in more than 80 minutes.
You would not have expected such a cameo performance from an 18-year-old competing in his first-ever international cup final. While others his age would have been consumed by the occasion’s strain, Garnacho seized the opportunity to demonstrate to the world what he is capable of.
Garnacho was given his crowning moment in October, when he made his full Europa League debut in a 3-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford. Prior to that, he had to exhibit remarkable patience to demonstrate to Ten Hag what he was capable of.
One week later, he scored his first United goal, scoring the game-winning goal in United’s 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the group stage finale of the same competition.
Garnacho hasn’t glanced back since scoring that goal. In a matter of months, he has gone from being the face of the FA Youth Cup to vying for a starting position.
United supporters are already excited about how good he could become because of his fearless approach, his skill set, and the fascination with his manner of play. You could go so far as to say that no 18-year-old has generated this much buzz at Old Trafford since Cristiano Ronaldo debuted in M16 20 years ago.
Garnacho has already demonstrated that he can manage the attention he is receiving, despite the fact that it is vital not to place too much pressure on young shoulders too soon. As the season progressed, his performances proved that he thrives under duress.
This is also the reason why United rushed to sign him to a new five-year contract at the end of April. United was prudent to resolve his future as soon as possible, securing his long-term future in the face of rumored interest from Real Madrid and other major European teams.
The winger, who hopes to add to the 34 appearances he made this season in the upcoming campaign, is consistently demonstrating why United moved so quickly to sign him, as he frequently made significant and effective contributions off the bench. Everyone affiliated with the club is aware that he is an exceptional talent and a gem within their ranks.
United are aware that they must bring in reinforcements this summer to build on the progress they have made this season, but the fact that Garnacho’s future has already been determined will alleviate any concerns about losing him to a European rival. He will play a significant role in United’s progression over the next few years, and the club deserves credit for averting the possibility of losing him to Madrid and the like
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Erik ten Hag might have already met his most significant signing this summer