Alejandro Garnacho has admitted losing the FA Cup final was "one of the hardest days of my life" after Manchester United were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City at Wembley.
Ilkay Gundogan netted either side of Bruno Fernandes ' leveller secured City their second trophy of the season, after winning the Premier League last month. Pep Guardiola's side now have the chance to complete the historic Treble when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League final on June 10.
As for United, it was a bitter pill to swallow as the Red Devils' campaign ended on a sour note. However, having finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup, Erik ten Hag's debut season in charge could be counted as a success compared to what happened in 2021/22.
But Garnacho, unsurprisingly, was gutted to lose. He said on Instagram : "I am broken. People who know me know how obsessed I am with winning, and today it couldn't be.
"Probably one of the hardest days of my life, we will get up again because we are Manchester United. As he said several times, God has taught me to never give up and I promise to the fans that we will bring joy to you very soon."
The Argentine shone in a cameo role after coming on for Christian Eriksen on the hour mark. He hugged the left-hand channel and caused the City defence problems at every opportunity. Garnacho almost equalised late on with a curling effort but it drifted inches past the post.
It is safe to say fans were impressed by Garnacho. One said: "Garnacho should be picked ahead of Sancho and Antony next season, and he should be given the No.7." Another added: "Garnacho was the only player who seemed to actually want to win." A third claimed: "Garnacho is a proper footballer. He's a threat every time he touches the ball and plays without any fear. 18 years old, it's incredible."
A fourth continued: "18 years old, Garnacho has the world at his feet, chin up starboy because the future is bright." Another added: "Garnacho. Superb. City couldn’t deal with him. Wish he’d started the game." A sixth said: "Garnacho's drive and energy are reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo. We'd be a better team if Sancho and Antony had half of that energy."
Casemiro also hailed Garnacho after the game. He told @dataref_ar: "The club is very committed to him. He is fond of us and we have to be careful because in the end he is 18 years old. You have to be calm so as not to burn stages. He is a player for the next 10 years at Manchester United. He has already been very important to us."