After the impressive performance in the 3-0 victory over Sheriff in Europa League, Paul Scholes, Manchester United legend, compared Alejandro Garnacho with a young Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 18-year old, a tricky teenager, made his debut Against the Moldovan sideOn Thursday night, he stole the show in front a delighted Old Trafford.
Garnacho didn’t score or assist but dazzled home fans with his brilliance.
“He was exceptional, he had real quality,” Scholes told BT Sport.
“The thing I liked about him: he was direct, he ran at defenders all the time. He had tricks that were functional, it was just missing an assist or goal.
“This club loves entertainers. He was like a young Cristiano taking the ball down. I was impressed: Sometimes, wingers, sometimes they can’t go down that left hand side, but he could do both, and it makes you so unpredictable.
“I think his performance was exciting for an 18 year old kid but he was one to look for the future.”
Garnacho was set to make his way into the United’s first-team this season. In April, he made his substitute appearance against Chelsea.
Erik ten Hag, however, sent the teenager back into the youth team earlier in the 2022/23 campaign.
The Red Devils boss reveals Garnacho needed to improve – and he has.
“I think it was a good performance from him,” Ten Hag said.
“He did what I expected him to do. He deserved to be allowed to finish his last weeks.
“The start was difficult for him in the season. I was not happy for him but he was happier in the end. I had a better attitude and more resilience. I also felt more determined.
“And what you see is he has the talent to deal with the ball in tight areas, to run behind and especially also his tempo dribbles, he can take players on and that’s a good capability now in his football, especially against opponents who are defending as compact as this opponent.
“I am happy with that, I hope for him it’s a stimulant and he knows I have to do better to get into the team, to create more and don’t forget you are playing in a team.
“Young kids have to grow and to raise their personality. They have to know what the laws and demands are in football, top football, it’s not only about the trick or about scoring one goal.
“We have to win football games, that demands a lot and then you have to fulfil every day the high standards, that is what we have to teach, not only him but we have to teach all the players, but especially the young players.”
