Caption: SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 3: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United celebrates 0-1 during the UEFA Europa League match between Real Sociedad v Manchester United at the Estadio Reale Arena on November 3, 2022 in San Sebastian Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Photographer: Soccrates Images
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: Soccrates Images
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has challenged Alejandro Garnacho to prove himself in the Premier League after two impressive performances in the Europa League.
The teenager scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad on Thursday.
It was Garnacho’s second start in a week after he impressed against Sheriff in a 3-0 win the previous Thursday.
The winger joined United two years ago from Atletico Madrid and he was instrumental as the club won the FA Youth Cup last season.
Despite his progress, Garnacho had been limited to just three appearances before his start against Sheriff.
That was down to what Ten Hag perceived as attitude problems that occurred during pre-season and Bruno Fernandes took a swipe at Garnacho earlier this week.
‘He was good but he knows we expect a lot from him,’ Fernandes said post-match on Thursday night.
‘Obviously he’s still really young, he’s doing really well.
‘At the beginning of the season he was not at his best. In the [pre-season] tour he didn’t have the best attitude that he should have, and that’s why he didn’t get his chances until now.
‘He’s getting his chances because he’s training better, he’s got a different attitude and he’s deserving his chances.’
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Garnacho has been selected to start in United’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa this afternoon, starting in a front three with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford.
And Ten Hag has challenged the wonderkid to replicate his European performances in the Premier League.
‘[Garnacho] had two good performances in the Europa League, now he has to do it in the league,’ said Ten Hag.
‘It is the same, 11 v 11, but the Premier League intensity is something he has to match. I have faith in him he will do good.’
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Can he do it?
