Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has suggested that Alejandro Garnacho should focus on his qualities rather than talk surrounding him.
The 18-year-old is starting to draw attention to himself following his recent performances for United. Garnacho scored his first senior goal in the victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League before going on to steal the show during a 28-minute cameo against Aston Villa on Thursday.
Garnacho grabbed two assists, including a delightful cross for Scott McTominay, to seal a comfortable victory for the Reds in the League Cup. With more eyes on the youngster, Saha has urged him to keep his head down and continue to develop.
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" Alejandro Garnacho will be eager to play at Manchester United," he told Paddy Power. "He’s just started playing games, and at his age, when he’s playing with players like Cristiano Ronaldo and other big names, it’s good that he’s in the conversation.
"It’s not about trying to move away from United now. He’s settling in well, and Erik ten Hag will have a vision for his development in his head.
"Mentally, physically and technically, his development will be taking place and that’s the manager's job. It’s not up to the fans, or journalists to decide if he’s going to stay or leave Manchester United.
"He’s a kid with tremendous talent and he’s got everything set to have a great career at United. He has strength, confidence and his youth makes it very hard to defend against him. He has a lot of quality and I'm excited for him.
"He's at a club where he can improve with the team, and he can be the solution to certain situations. He must grasp this opportunity and do the best he can. He needs to forget about all the talk around him and his attitude and just focus on improving."
As one United career dawns at Old Trafford, another appears to be heading into its twilight. Ronaldo looks almost certain to be leaving the Reds when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
The Portuguese ace's season has been tumultuous to say the least after beginning it wanting to leave, before making amends and then refusing to come on to face Tottenham Hotspur. But despite everything that has gone on, Saha is confident that Ten Hag still sees Ronaldo in his plans.
" Cristiano Ronaldo is not a normal player," he added. "We can’t assess this situation as we normally would with any other 37-year-old player. We can't tell him to be happy with this, or happy with that.
"He has a legacy to protect and will still want to show that he can perform. The situation has to be managed with balance.
"Erik ten Hag is building a team but he’s an important player because so most of the players in the squad respect him. In my view, he’s still a big player and one of the players who will always produce and give you more guarantees than anyone.
"He’ll approach the game the same way and you won’t feel that he’s tired. He provides enough guarantees that it’s worth keeping him there.
"If he says to the press that he doesn’t want to stay there, then they would have to consider letting him go. If he shows that he wants to be part of the project and the manager decides to give him the armband [it] clearly shows that they have respect for each other and suggests he’s committed to the club."
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