TALENT Paul Scholes, a former player for Manchester United, asserts that Alejandro Garnacho is “like a young Cristiano Ronaldo,” as Erik ten Hag responds to the starlet’s electrifying full debut against Sheriff in the Europa League.
Paul Scholes, a former player for Manchester United, compared Alejandro Garnacho to a young Cristiano Ronaldo after Garnacho put up a strong showing in the 3-0 Europa League victory over Sheriff.
On Thursday night, the elusive 18-year-old made his full debut against the Moldovan team and dominated in front of a thrilled Old Trafford crowd.
Garnacho did not provide a goal or an assist but dazzled the home faithful with flashes of brilliance throughout.
“He was exceptional, he had real quality,” Scholes told BT Sport.
“The thing I liked about him: he was direct, and he ran at defenders all the time. Tricks that had a bit of function, he had everything, it was just missing a goal or an assist.
“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 don't know if it's real or if I'm dreaming pic.twitter.com/3GR80nObqU
— Alejandro Garnacho (@agarnacho7) October 27, 2022
“I think his performance was exciting for an 18-year-old kid but he was one to look for the future.”
Garnacho looked set to break into the United first-team earlier this season, having made his first appearance as a substitute against Chelsea in April.
However, the teenager was sent back to the youth team by manager Erik ten Hag 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. First, he deserved a chance for the last 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, and more determination.
“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 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 fulfill 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.”
