Alejandro Garnacho thanked idol and teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring his first goal for Manchester United.
The teenage sensation, who's recently broken into Erik ten Hag 's starting XI as the club's reigning under-18 Player of the Year, was assisted by Ronaldo as he slotted home against Real Sociedad to give the Red Devils a 1-0 victory in the Europa League. Although Garnacho's exploits in northern Spain weren't enough to send United through as group winners, it was still a dream come true.
"18 years and 125 days dreaming of this moment. Thanks idol, @cristiano," the Argentina youth international, who even copied Ronaldo's celebration, wrote on Instagram post-match. Garnacho thanked him again in the comments of the 37-year-old's own post, simply writing, "thanks" alongside a goat emoji to signify his belief that Ronaldo is the greatest player of all-time.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who failed to better his remarkable goalscoring record against Real Sociedad, had written: "We move on and we keep going after our goals this season! Thanks to our supporters that never give up on us!"
Supporters certainly won't be giving up on the Red Devils if Garnacho continues his bright form, having made his first start this term during last Thursday's 3-0 win at home to Moldovan minnows FC Sheriff. Building on his dazzling display by scoring a well-taken goal in San Sebastian, United manager Ten Hag couldn't help but heap praise on his Spanish-born starlet.
"We have an extra player with Garnacho. He did well and I hope he can keep going in this process," Ten Hag affirmed, not only impressed by Garnacho's goal. "He was reliable defending, he worked hard, he was a threat and he scored a goal so I am happy. If he can keep this process going, I'm really happy."
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As for what the young forward's teammates made of his performance, midfielder Bruno Fernandes took fans by surprise and poured cold water on the hype. Revealing that Garnacho had issues in pre-season due to his attitude, Fernandes told BT Sport : "He was good, but he knows that we expect a lot from him. Obviously he's still really young, he's doing really well.
"He was not at his best at the beginning of the season. On the tour he didn't have the best attitude that he should have had, and that's why he didn't get his chances until now. He's getting his chances because he's training better, having a different attitude and deserving his chances."
The Portuguese maestro added when speaking to MUTV : "He didn't get his chances before because he was not good enough in training and not good enough mentality-wise. He's changed that, that's why he's getting chances. Everyone is really happy for him and pleased with his goal."
Garnacho will now be hoping to continue his good work on and off the pitch before learning if he's kept his place in Ten Hag's lineup for the trip to Aston Vila in the Premier League on Sunday.
