Erik ten Hag hailed Alejandro Garnacho after the winger’s starring role in Manchester United’s win over Everton.
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford both scored first-half penalties won by the 19-year-old’s driving runs as Erik ten Hag’s recorded a much-needed and relatively comfortable victory in the end.
Everton had started the game in much better fashion but Garnacho’s devastating speed and frantic foot work saw him brought down by James Tarkowski just after the ten-minute mark.
Captain Fernandes duly stepped up and squeezed his spot-kick past Toffees ‘keeper Jordan Pickford before Garnacho was again at the heart of things for Rashford’s goal.
After a driving run across the Everton penalty box, Ben Godfrey hauled the teenager down and England international Rashford later sent Pickford the wrong way to give United a two-goal lead at the break.
In a season where Jadon Sancho and Antony have struggled, Garnacho has emerged as a palpable threat for United from wide areas, trailing only Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay for goals this season with five.
"He's progressing very well and we are very pleased with this,” said the United boss.
“His contribution today was huge, his runs, his dribbles. It's attractive as well for the audience, obviously we want to show something. I think well-deserved penalties."
The win moved United to within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham, although they have two games in hand.
