Lisandro Martinez has tipped Alejandro Garnacho to have an exciting career following his full Manchester United debut on Thursday.
The attacker played 78 minutes in the 3-0 Europa League win over FC Sheriff and was given a huge round of applause when he was substituted after an impressive display.
The 18-year-old was congratulated on his performance by idol Cristiano Ronaldo at full-time on what was his sixth appearance for the senior side, the other five coming from the bench. Garnacho shared the moment of the embrace on Instagram, writing: “I don't know if it's real or if I'm dreaming.”
READ MORE: Ten Hag has revealed plan for Garnacho this season
Martinez replied to the post, commenting: “Keep working brother! Congratulations.” And speaking later to ESPN Argentina, the defender said his compatriot's future is bright.
“He has enormous talent and a bright future,” Martinez said. “It all depends on him, on what he works for, but he’s young, he has to keep learning, at his age he’s in a team that isn’t easy [to get into]."
On the advice he has been giving Garnacho, Martinez added: “I tell him he has to take advantage of the moment, listen, ask for advice, do extra training. He has no ceiling. He will give Manchester United and the national team a lot.”
Garnacho also impressed United legend Paul Scholes, who said the teenager reminded him of “a young Cristiano with his skill and taking the ball down with confidence".
Scholes said: “I was impressed with the way he could attack on both feet and the unpredictability. He is an 18-year-old kid and he has a big future at Manchester United.”
Erik ten Hag was also pleased with Garnacho's output, saying post-match: "I think it was a good performance from him. He did what I expected him to do. First, he deserved a chance for the last few weeks. The start was difficult for him in the season. I was not happy with him, but in the last weeks I was happy with him, a better attitude, more resilience, more determination.”
READ NEXT:
