Alejandro Garnacho was not the best player on the pitch when Manchester United played Nottingham Forest in the FA Youth Cup last season, but the youngster scored two goals in that final at Old Trafford and that meant he naturally dominated headlines.
Garnacho reproduced Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark celebration in tribute to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ronaldo took to social media last month to anoint himself 'the king'. George Best was the first king of Old Trafford and others have ascended the throne since. Eric Cantona and Ronaldo are among the few who have risen to power.
The Youth Cup is the pinnacle of academy football and the 18-year-old delivered on the biggest stage by contributing an impressive seven goals and three assists in the Reds' run to glory. Garnacho was also named United’s Under-18 Player of the Year.
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The ability to thrive under pressure is a hallmark of kings and Garnacho grew in stature performing in front of 67,00 supporters at Old Trafford in the final of the Youth Cup. He proved that was no fluke when playing at Old Trafford again in pre-season against Rayo Vallecano.
Garnacho was expected to feature in pre-season but he did not play a single minute on United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. Tahith Chong was given 68 minutes on that tour in comparison and he left the club permanently last week.
Ten Hag said: "I have been getting to know some of our promising young players over the summer, so I will say now, for the record, that if players have the right ability and attitude, they will get their chance, regardless of their age or reputation.”
It was hard not to disagree with the decision to play Chong when Garnacho was on the bench. Garnacho was the most exciting talent in the academy last season and he deserved the chance to feature - he eventually got that chance against Rayo Vallecano.
Garnacho celebrated his 18th birthday just a few weeks before that game and he played like someone typical of his age. He was excitable when on the ball, always driving forward and it was obvious that he was desperate to impress Ten Hag.
He immediately caught the eye with his intent that afternoon. His pace is a genuine asset and he caused problems for Vallecano's defence with his unpredictability, although he was struggling to pick the right pass in the final third. Garnacho was substituted in the 70th minute to rapturous applause from supporters and that ovation was well deserved. Garnacho had built on the promise from his previous visit to Old Trafford when he was winning the FA Youth Cup in May.
Unfortunately for Garnacho, his best position is on the left wing, where the first team is already over-subscribed. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga can all play on that side, while Anthony Martial is not a stranger to that position when he's fit.
Garnacho remains a raw talent and he is not ready to bridge the gap to the first-team, but he is ready to be a peripheral first-team squad figure while balancing his academy commitments, which seems the best option for his development.
He is regularly training with the first-team and Ten Hag has named him on the bench for five out of a possible six Premier League matches this season. Garnacho is absorbing everything that is going on around him in the dressing room like a sponge.
United's academy is world-class and Ten Hag has an excellent track record with youth, so they are bound to get Garnacho's development right and the Europa League seems like the perfect opportunity to give the youngster first-team minutes.
United play Real Sociedad on Thursday night and Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford could be rested. Anthony Elanga is a probable starter at left-wing and he should make way for Garnacho in the latter stages, who can make an impact from the bench.
Garnacho will continue to play academy football this season, but featuring for the first-team in the Europa League and domestic cup competitions will accelerate his development. There is nothing better for a player's progression than first-team minutes.
Ten Hag has promised the young players who are good enough will get their chance. Garnacho was not involved in United's pre-season tour, but he would have taken notice of Ten Hag speaking to journalists about that matter in Australia.
Garnacho will have to be patient if he is to ever join the club's kings - such power is worth fighting for.
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