Erik ten Hag has warned wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho that he must get his attitude right to shine in the Manchester United first team - echoing the concerns of Bruno Fernandes.
The young Argentine is enjoying an impressive breakthrough campaign at Old Trafford. The 18-year-old was granted his debut with a brief cameo on the opening day and has gone on to chalk-up his first goal for the club in their slender Europa League victory against Real Sociedad.
Garnacho continued his impressive contributions on Thursday evening having clambered off the bench to assist both Fernandes and Scott McTominay in the 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Aston Villa, producing a display that delighted Old Trafford.
Boss Ten Hag was full of praise for the forward after his showing but did appear to hint that first-team opportunities could evaporate if he loses focus, with pointed comments about his lifestyle.
“It was good that he came on and showed that performance and had that impact in the game, to be able to assist, make the dribbles and run behind,” Ten Hag said. “There are some things he has to improve, for instance when we go long to go for the second balls.
“He still has things to learn but quite obviously we are happy with his development and he can contribute to the team. It depends on his approach, his attitude.
“When he keeps working then yes, it is possible [for him to play more]. He wants to improve every day. He has to do the right things in his lifestyle. He has the capability.”
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Ten Hag’s comments share a stark similarity to that of Portuguese playmaker Fernandes. The United midfielder recently received his fair share of criticism having called out Garnacho for his disappointing attitude earlier this season.
Speaking after the youngster’s goal against Sociedad, he said: "He [Garnacho] was good, but he knows we expect a lot from him. He’s still really young, he’s doing really well. At the beginning of the season, he was not at his best. On the tour, he did not have the best attitude that he should have.
"That’s why he hasn’t got his chances until now. He's getting his chances now because he's training better, he's got a different attitude and he's deserving his chances. Everyone is really happy for him and pleased with his goal."
Fernandes’ early concerns then seem well-founded considering Ten Hag’s latest comments, with Garnacho continuing to make an impact on the first-team. He has one final opportunity to impress his manager and teammates before the World Cup as the Red Devils clash with Fulham.
The youngster has been included in the Argentine provisional squad for the tournament but it remains to be seen whether he is handed a place.
