Lisandro Martinez expects big things from compatriot and Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has high expectations from youngster Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine defender feels his compatriot has enormous potential.
The 18-year-old recently made his full debut for the Red Devils, starting against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League. And the winger looked lively in the 79 minutes he spent on the pitch at Old Trafford against the Moldovan outfit.
Speaking to ESPN Argentina (h/t Metro) about Garnacho, Martinez revealed he often has conversations with the youngster. The centre-back expects big things from the 18-year-old old considering his talent.
“He has enormous talent and a bright future. It all depends on him, on what he works for, but he’s young, he has to keep learning, at his age he’s in a team that isn’t easy [to get into].
“I tell him he has to take advantage of the moment, listen, ask for advice, do extra training. He has no ceiling. He will give Manchester United and the national team a lot.”
The young Argentine forward has broken into the first team after impressive performances with the youth team in the previous campaign. He triumphed to the FA Youth Cup title with the U18 side last season.
Garnacho has been a regular in the first team under Erik ten Hag. He travelled with United on the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. And the Dutch manager has kept the 18-year-old in and around the senior squad.
While the Argentine has not played a lot of games, he has had the chance to train with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes week in, week out.
Garnacho has featured four times for the Old Trafford side in all competitions this season. However, prior to the Sheriff fixture, he was not afforded many minutes.
Ten Hag has several options to choose from to play on the wings. Antony, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have been preferred up until now by the former Ajax head coach. Anthony Elanga is also competing for a place in the starting XI.
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Thus, for the Argentine youngster, the current period is a learning curve. While some fans would like to see him play more often, the management is doing the right thing by slowly integrating the 18-year-old into the first team instead of throwing him into the lion’s den that is Premier League football.
