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Erik ten Hag delighted with Alejandro Garnacho after first Manchester United goal against Real Sociedad
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was delighted with the performance of Alejandro Garnacho after his goal against Real Sociedad. The Red Devils took on the Spanish outfit at the Reale Arena on 3 November (Thursday).
The game marked the final fixture of the group stages of the 2022/23 Europa League campaign. And the match ended 1-0 in favour of the Old Trafford side.
Garnacho scored his first goal for United’s senior side in the 17th minute against La Real. Speaking to BT Sport (h/t Metro) after the game, Ten Hag expressed his happiness with the Argentine’s overall performance in San Sebastian.
“We made a really good goal with Garnacho.
“I’m really happy with that performance and I hope he can keep the process going. He was a threat, he scored a goal, he was reliable defending. If he can keep this going, I’m really happy.”
The Red Devils controlled the first half and created a few more chances. However, the second half became a bit scrappy from us as we needed another goal to top the group.
United were beaten 1-0 by Sociedad in the reverse fixture. Therefore, we needed to beat La Real by a two-goal margin. However, having failed to do that, the Red Devils finished second on goal difference.
Fans can be encouraged by the performance of Garnacho, though. The Argentine has only been handed opportunities to get on the pitch recently. And speaking after the match, Bruno Fernandes revealed the 18-year-old’s attitude was a problem at the start of the season.
“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.”
Supporters have been anticipating seeing Garnacho in the team since his exploits for the youth team in the previous campaign. However, Ten Hag has not given the youngster a lot of minutes on the pitch.
The 18-year-old got his full debut against Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford on 27 October in the 3-0 victory. And the Argentine looked electric in the match. Against La Real, he once again put in an encouraging display on the left wing.
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Jadon Sancho has been underwhelming in the last few weeks for United. Garnacho has brought more creativity and explosiveness up front. Thus, the 18-year-old has made a case for himself to be given more chances in the first team.
