Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag told Alejandro Garnacho and his family that the Reds ace "deserved" his new contract for how much he has improved this season.
Garnacho has enjoyed a productive breakthrough campaign under Ten Hag this term. The 18-year-old has registered four goals and five assists in 29 appearances for United's first-team, while also recording two goal contributions in his two EFL Trophy matches this season.
The Argentine star has not played for the Reds since suffering an injury in the goalless draw with Southampton in February. However, he made a return to team training last Friday as he prepares to make his comeback for the Reds. There is a chance the youngster could be in the squad to face Brighton on Thursday night.
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Garnacho and his family all travelled to Carrington last week as the player put pen to paper on a new deal with the club and director of football John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher were among those shown congratulating him in video released by the club.
During the signing process, Ten Hag addressed the player's family inside the Jimmy Murphy Centre. The Dutchman spoke passionately about the importance of celebrating proud moments with loved ones.
"I met your family, the most important people in your life," Ten Hag said to Garnacho, before speaking to the family directly. "It’s a big, big moment, so I [will say] some words. He is improving and he has improved a lot. That is why we are now here and he deserves this, a new contract. It is deserved by his performance and he has fought his way into the team.
"So, it was a huge step and he did magnificently. Now, I hope and I think this new contract is an inspiration and a motivation to do even better. Because it is a big step and today you deserve it. We have to do some celebrations and you have to do some celebrations with your family, they are the ones who are in your heart.
"This club needs players who can do incredible things. It is not only about 'we want to win'. Also, we want to win in a certain way. But winning is the most important and then we want to win in a certain way, because we are playing in the Theatre of Dreams. And then this club has to win trophies and you want to win trophies, because in the end a contract is great but in the end of a career you want to collect trophies.
"You want to look back and say 'I won the Premier League, I won the Champions League, I was at the World Cup'. I think he has the talent to do it but talent has to work, because talent that does not work will not go far. This is the start, a new start, a signed contract, and tomorrow new roles, new aims and go."
Ten Hag's side take on Brighton in the Premier League at the Amex Stadium on Thursday night. Given that Garnacho returned to first-team training last Friday, there is a good chance he could be part of the travelling squad for the crucial encounter.
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