Erik ten Hag comments on Man Utd's January transfer plans
Back in April, Ralf Rangnick expressed a belief that Alejandro Garnacho could become a key player for Manchester United. And though the German didn’t get much right during his time in the Old Trafford dugout, his comments were accurate. Something that’s evident in the wake of their dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester United found themselves trailing their noisy neighbours after Jack Grealish had headed the visitors in front.
But Erik ten Hag, sensing there was still an opportunity to turn the tide, then decided to bring on Garnacho.
The United wonderkid then played a role in his side’s winner, with Marcus Rashford converting just four minutes after Bruno Fernandes had levelled the proceedings.
Garnacho put the ball on a plate for Rashford and was enthusiastic in the aftermath, joining in the celebrations that took place around the stadium.
And it’s now clear that the 18-year-old has proven Rangnick right, with his stock growing more and more throughout the season.
Back in April, during his disastrous spell in charge, Rangnick opened up on Garnacho by saying: “[Garnacho] has been training with us [the first team] for the last two weeks and I know that he is one of the most promising players.
“[He is] still only 17, but a player that hopefully if he keeps his feet on the ground.
“If he keeps trying to get better every day, then he will not only be sitting on the bench but there is every chance he will be playing for this club."
Garnacho is now fulfilling Rangnick’s prophecy, with his cameo against City electrifying.
And the onus will be on Ten Hag to find a way to accommodate the Argentine, despite his young age.
Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho was given his debut by Ralf Rangnick last season (Image: GETTY)
Regarding Garnacho, Rashford hailed the 18-year-old after his heroics on Saturday.
"It's a change of dynamics," he told BT Sport. "I think I've said this many times before but the options we've got coming off the bench, even when we've had injuries at times and everyone's played out of position - Bruno played out of position today - as you can see everyone puts in a shift.
“When you have players like Garno, young and hungry, full of talent and ready to make a difference, anything's possible."
United legend Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, thinks Garnacho is knocking on the door as he looks to nail down a starting spot.
"I looked at the bench and saw three-center halves, and I was thinking, 'Wow, the depth isn't really there'," he said on his YouTube channel.
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Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho changed the game in Man City win (Image: GETTY)
"But Garnacho comes on and changes the game.
"He is saying to the manager, ‘Get me on that pitch ASAP because I’m producing moments every time I go on. How can you make me sub?’.
“That’s what his performances are saying and I love it.
“The manager is using him perfectly well at the minute because he is impacting games."
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