Alejandro Garancho can show Erik ten Hag how much he can rely on him for next season in the final weeks of Manchester United's season.
The Argentine forward returned from injury, fresh from signing a new five contract, to score the match-clinching goal against Wolves on Saturday. It was an assured finish from the 18-year-old, who was back on the pitch for the first time since March.
United's injury problems have been well documented; particularly their issues in central defence. Garanacho's absence has not been in the spotlight given Ten Hag's options out wide. It is perhaps the strongest, or certainly deepest, area of the United squad - Antony and Marcus Rashford hold the starting positions right now with Jadon Sancho and Garnacho in reserve.
READ ALSO: Alejandro Garnacho might have changed his role at Manchester United after Wolves goal
Sancho has the ability to play on either side though his preference is clearly to play inverted on the left. Not the role United had pigeonholed him for when they paid their money to Borussia Dortmund.
It would be quite easy to lower expectations on Garanacho, as a result, but he has the chance to disrupt the pecking order. Sancho has not set the world alight and with Amad expected to fight for a first-team place on the right next season, there is plenty of competition.
United are on course for Champions League football. They have a four-point buffer over Liverpool with three Premier League matchdays to overcome. They are two wins away from Europe's elite club competition.
Next season, Ten Hag will have to rely heavily on his squad. Rotation will be natural as United flip from domestic to European commitments in a jam-packed schedule.
So how much can they rely on Garnacho? What will his role be? That is down to the Argentine to decide.
His cameo against Wolves was a reminder that he is not here to make up the numbers, despite being 18. Amad's performances at Sunderland, which included a stunning equaliser in their play-off first leg against Luton Town, have shifted the focus away from Garnacho as the next bright winger at Old Trafford.
But Garancho is in the driving seat if he wants to become a regular contributor. He has a head start to prove that he deserves to be number two in command on the left of the attack.
In 16 Premier League games, he has scored three goals and registered two assists. Not shabby for a debut campaign, when you consider Sancho has only scored five in 23 league outings.
Outside of Antony and Rashford, the winger hierarchy can be shaken up. Amad's return will do that in the summer and Garanacho needs to use these final weeks of the season to put himself at the forefront of Ten Hag's mind ahead of pre-season.
Such is the nature of the schedule, Carabao Cup games and FA Cup ties will be used to maximise the squad next year. Garnacho might be earmarked for minutes in those competitions, as it stands.
Excuse the comparisons but Cristiano Ronaldo made 29 appearances in his debut season, scoring three times. Garanacho has managed a similar output in terms of goals but in fewer minutes.
Ronaldo kicked on the following year, scoring more and playing more frequently. That must be the blueprint for Garanacho; continual improvement.
A strong end to the campaign and improvement in pre-season can bump Garnacho into the Premier League equation. He is only 18 and won't start every match but he has the potential to be relied on more heavily next year.
That decision, as always, comes down to Ten Hag and the trust he has in his players. It was only eight minutes but Garnacho's instant impact and pace off the left side showed what he can offer the United squad.
The teenager likened Ten Hag to a 'father figure' after signing his new deal and committing his future to the club. Garnacho has an opportunity in front of him and he must grasp it.
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