Viva Garnacho! (original) (raw)

Alejandro Garnacho came of age in the 2023-24 campaign. He began the season on the fringes of Erik ten Hag’s team but ended it, having turned 20, as an essential pick. The FA Cup final against Manchester City was his 38th start in a row, a remarkable figure for a winger who puts so much energy into performances.

Wembley was a crowning moment, not least for his opening goal which gave United a platform for victory. He was opportunistic, pouncing on the mistake by Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega, but his determination had put both City players under pressure. That afternoon, he performed with ambition. He also played with intelligence, adapting to a new role asked by Ten Hag, defending resolutely, and in attack running mainly in the inside channel to support false nines Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay. He was also offering for the switch pass, which worked again for Kobbie Mainoo’s goal. That kind of tactical appreciation shows the development in his game.

His friendship with Mainoo is a joy to observe for United fans. The two players have come through the academy together since Garnacho joined in 2020, and their genuine bond is clear to see during games and in social media posts. Garnacho lifted the FA Youth Cup alongside Mainoo in 2022 and now has three trophies in as many years having claimed a Carabao Cup winners medal too.

His application in training was questioned when he first joined from Atletico Madrid, and Ten Hag felt the need to offer public rebuke in his first campaign, but Garnacho has matured, upping his fitness to the point where he played the fourth-most Premier League minutes for United last term, behind Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.

Garnacho is often operating at high intensity too, frequently late on in games. His burst clear to tee up Amad in the 120th minute of the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool is testimony that his stamina endures. That was one of five assists in all competitions, a number which he should increase. He can get better at knowing when to cross and when to shoot. Scoring 10 goals is a good return at his age, but again there is scope for improvement.

The numbers do not speak to the magic he possesses though. His bicycle kick at Goodison Park last November took the breath away, an all-time great goal. It also hinted at an exciting future. If he is brave and skilful enough to pull that off now, what might he be capable of in a few years time?

There were other signs he is a player born for the big stage. His fantastic finish at Galatasaray might have been a goal to decide progress to the Champions League knockout phase on another day; his brace against Aston Villa clawed United back into a game they went on to win; his two goals at Stamford Bridge displayed an elite mentality and should have earned victory.

Above all else, Garnacho has that quality of compelling people to get off their seats. And he revels in the expectation.

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