Ralf Rangnick tipped Alejandro Garnacho for a very bright future at Manchester United after naming the teenager on the bench for Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash with Norwich City.
Garnacho, 17, has been training with the first team for the last fortnight as a reward for his brilliant form for the Under-23s and Under-18s this season. The winger has scored 12 goals including five in United U18's run to the FA Youth Cup final.
He earned a call-up to the senior Argentina squad in March having previously represented Spain - the country of his birth - at youth level. In the latest landmark of his eye-catching development, Garnacho earned a place in the matchday squad as the Canaries visited Old Trafford, although he was not called on in United's 3-2 victory.
Rangnick hailed the youngster as "one of the most promising players" in a glowing verdict ahead of the match and pledged that he will soon be rewarded with regular first-team minutes. "He has been training with us the last two weeks and he is one of the most promising players," the interim manager told MUTV of Garnacho.
"He is only 17, but if he keeps his feet on the ground, he will not only be sitting on the bench but will be playing for this club." Despite his lavish praise for Garnacho, Rangnick insisted he will not demand too much too soon from United's latest emerging talent, especially as the Red Devils are struggling in the hotly-contested race for a top-four finish.
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"It's always about playing the strongest available team because they are not friendly games and I don't think we would do some of the youngsters a favour if we bring them in at the wrong moment," Rangnick said. "I love to play young players but in a moment when the team is performing well and playing with confidence. Then it could be the right moment to give young players game time but not in a situation like we're in right now."
United were beaten 1-0 at Everton last Saturday, leading to calls from the fanbase for Rangnick to freshen up his ideas by turning to the academy as well as a fresh wave of protests against the club's owners, the Glazers. However, the Red Devils remain in the hunt for Champions League qualification and were buoyed earlier on Saturday as Tottenham dropped vital points with a 1-0 loss at home to Brighton. Against Norwich, United went into the interval 2-1 up thanks to a double from Cristiano Ronaldo before Kieran Dowell pulled a goal back for the visitors Teemu Pukki equalised shortly after the interval to worsen the mood at a frustrated Old Trafford.
