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In Manchester United’s Europa League game against Sheriff on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the side for the first time since refusing to substitute and storming through the tunnel against Tottenham eight days earlier.
The Portuguese star would always take center stage and he managed to get late on the scoresheet to wrap up a routine 3-0 win for the Red Devils.
But it was one of his teammates who stole the show at Old Trafford – Alejandro Garnacho.
Alejandro Garnacho stole the show on Thursday at his first start for Manchester United
The teenager was a surprise inclusion in Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup, given that the United boss has been reluctant to rotate his team heavily this season.
However, the Dutchman clearly believed he was ready and chose Garnacho over Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga, and he was absolutely right.
Some players look nervous when they make their first professional start, especially at a club as big as United, but Garnacho radiated confidence from the start and demanded the ball from his teammates.
Every time he received it, the crowd stood up and felt that he could produce something special.
The 18-year-old Argentinian ran to the sheriff’s defense at every opportunity, tossing over and even pulling a cheeky nutmeg while dazzling on his full-length debut, outperforming fellow winger Antony, despite the Brazilian putting down a remarkable 720. -degree spin in the first half.
Garnacho outperformed Antony, even though the Brazilian made a 720-degree spin in the game
Paul Scholes compared him to a ‘young’ Cristiano Ronaldo in his post-match analysis, and it was hardly a bizarre claim.
The swagger and fearlessness with which Garnacho played was reminiscent of the Ronaldo who arrived at Old Trafford nearly two decades ago.
Admittedly, Ronaldo was something of a diamond in the rough that needed polishing at that stage, with his final product questionable, and Garnacho may have to overcome similar obstacles in the future. But he was a breath of fresh air on United’s side, giving them an injection of energy down the left that had been lacking in recent weeks.
This is largely due to Sancho’s shape. Borussia Dortmund’s £73million signing struggled in his first season at the club last season, but he seemed to be finding his way at the start of the current season.
Garnacho played without fear at Old Trafford
Goals against Liverpool and Leicester showed what he’s capable of when he’s at his best, and he was perhaps a little unlucky to be left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad last month.
However, his performance has dropped dramatically since then and he now seems completely devoid of any confidence.
When he played against Manchester City at the start of the month, he offered very little protection to Tyrell Malacia, as Pep Guardiola’s side erupted in the first half, and from an attacking perspective he posed no threat at all.
Fast forward three weeks, and he was even less effective against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old winger constantly chose the safe option rather than attacking his man, while his passing was quirky as he got into promising positions. He could have no complaints when he was dragged away by Ten Hag seven minutes after the break.
In general, Ten Hag has been loyal to Sancho this season, as a result of which he has only made one start in the competition so far. Still, Garnacho’s performance must have given him food for thought.
Ten Hag labeled Garnacho as ‘talent’ after his impressive performance, but challenged him to become even better.
“He’s a talent. I hope for him it’s a stimulant, [his] first game, that he knows: “I have to do better, to create more”, said Ten Hag at his press conference afterwards.
Erik Ten Hag believes Garnacho can get even better after his impressive full debut at Old Trafford
Ten Hag may want Garnacho to get even better, but there is little doubt that he produced more on Thursday than Sancho has recently.
The youngster led United’s Under-18s to FA Youth Cup victory last season by scoring seven goals in six games, and has already picked Lionel Messi’s brains after being called up to the Argentina national team in March. He is ready for this level.
Now Ten Hag has to choose whether he wants to support Sancho or reward Garnacho for his performance by starting him against West Ham on Sunday.
Sancho is the big-money asset with 23 caps to his name, so it’s easy to see why United are desperate for the move.
But he’s not delivering at the moment, and hasn’t for a while. It may be time to take him out of the firing line, and Garnacho would be the perfect replacement.
Jadon Sancho has had a hard time in recent weeks and is currently low on confidence
Based on their recent showings, Garnacho should start for Sancho against West Ham
Teen players appearing on the scene can be inconsistent. Is Garnacho going to play this well every game? It seems unlikely.
However, he deserves the chance to prove that he can support his standout against Sheriff.
United are the lowest scorers in the top eight of the Premier League together. They have scored 20 goals less than City in their first 11 games and urgently need extra creativity on the pitch.
Garnacho can provide that with his deception and positive decision-making in the final third, which is why he must get the nod to Sancho on Sunday.