Alejandro Garnacho has been sensational for Manchester United since making an entry into the first team earlier this season. The 18-year-old’s ability to get past opponents has helped him earn praise from his coach Erik ten Hag and experts across football.
Ten Hag decided to give the Argentine another start and this time in a big game against arch-rivals Leeds United on Wednesday. However, the winger showed that he may need to learn a ruthless streak in front of goal after missing a glaring chance that could have helped the Reds get into the game a lot sooner than they actually did.
He was substituted in the 59th minute and was disappointed in himself, posting a picture from the game along with a message on Instagram.
READ MORE: Ten Hag sends message to Garnacho after two substitutions
Ahead of United’s return fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road, Ten Hag spoke about Garnacho and what he expects from the youngster in the games ahead. He said: “As a striker, you have to at least be on the scoring list, the assist list, key action list to have the right impact. And, of course, we expect him also to do the other stuff but the base stuff is also important and if you can't do the others extra then you have to do that, so that is your base function."
United are going into the game against Leeds with several key figures out injured. Ten Hag confirmed that Anthony Martial, Antony and Scott McTominay are all ruled out against Leeds on Sunday. This could mean that Ten Hag might think about giving Garnacho another chance in the starting 11 with a dearth of attacking options available to him.
The 18-year-old was lacklustre on Wednesday, but Ten Hag could show that he trusts Garnacho to deliver by giving him a green light against Leeds. Wout Weghorst looked miles off what United expected from him in the game at Old Trafford and could see his place under threat.
Jadon Sancho was a breath of fresh air in the United attack. Since his return, the 22-year-old has put in fruitful performances off the bench. That form could finally help him get the nod from the manager and lead to his first start in months.
Given Marcus Rashford’s form he is practically immovable from the line-up. The only question that remains is which position he would start in. His recent goalscoring spree could see Ten Hag finally starting him as a striker. This could allow Garnacho to fill in the place as a winger, a move that would be a real show of faith from the boss.
Garnacho's performance on Wednesday might not ordinarily have put him in pole position to start on Sunday, but injuries to other options could see him gifted a new opportunity.
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