Erik ten Hag admits Alejandro Garnacho has “lot to learn” after scoring for Manchester United vs Leeds United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that Alejandro Garnacho has a “lot to learn” after he scored against Leeds United in the 2-0 victory.
The Red Devils visited Elland Road on Sunday (12 February) in the Premier League. The Argentina national came on as a substitute in the second half and scored the Old Trafford side’s second goal.
In the reverse fixture on Wednesday (8 February), the 18-year-old started the match. He was presented with good opportunities to find the back of the net but failed. In the end, the youngster was substituted and we managed to make a comeback and drew the match 2-2.
Speaking to the media via Metro after the win, Ten Hag weighed up on Garnacho’s performance in the game against Leeds at Old Trafford and Elland Road.
“It’s normal. He’s a young player and he has to learn a lot. We saw on Wednesday he was making great actions but not finishing. I think he had to finish in that moment. It has to do with focus but also with preparation.
“Today it was the same. In the first minutes he was not in the game and you have to be ready. After the first goal he improved and showed his great skills, his pace, his dribbles, his timing and it was a great finish too.”
The first half saw both teams failing to make an impact in the final third of the pitch. Both Man United and the Peacocks were scrappy for most of the match.
Then, in the 80th minute, Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock with a thunderous header. The England international had been quiet for most of the match but was instrumental in the moment.
Subsequently, Garnacho, who came on at around the hour mark, demonstrated his pace and ability on the ball to get past the opposition defender and then beat Illan Meslier on his neat post.
The Argentine national has had a breakout campaign under the Dutch manager. Initially, the 18-year-old had to wait for his opportunities.
However, in recent months, the forward has put in some clutch performances to make his way into Ten Hag’s plans. The youngster has made an impact as a substitute on several occasions, like scoring in stoppage time in the 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
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Garnacho still has ways to go in his career. Hopefully, the Dutch manager is able to steer the 19-year-old in the right direction and develops him into a future star.