Neil Wood questions Erik ten Hag’s decision to hand Alejandro Garnacho his first Man United start

Former Manchester United youth boss Neil Wood has questioned Erik ten Hag’s decision to bring star player Alejandro Garnacho into the club’s first team.

The Argentine youth international, who had developed quite a buzz at Old Trafford thanks to his appearances for United’s under-23s, was tasked by Ten Hag to make a number of guest appearances in both the Premier League and Europe earlier this season.

However, Garnacho got his first real taste of first-team football when he made his first senior start for the club when United hosted FC Sheriff in the Europa League.

Garnacho had an immediate impact on the game and fans have already called the Dutch manager to fully integrate the youngster into the first team lineup.

However, Neil Wood worked extensively with the young prospect during his time as manager of the club’s U23 squad, warning that overexposure to the senior game at such a young age could be detrimental to Garnacho’s development as a player.

Speak with the athleticthe now-Salford City manager explained: “I understand fans like to see young players thrown in but I don’t know if it’s best to throw him into the first team.

“The bar is so high that you can’t expect to turn it on right away at Old Trafford, but the expectations of young players are high. Too early can damage a player’s development.’

But former United youth boss Neil Wood warned that overexposure to senior football could be detrimental to his development

The now Salford City boss also warned that the heightened expectations for older players could hurt young stars

While Wood was concerned about Ten Hag’s decision to take the youngster into the senior squad, he assured that he was under no illusions about the 18-year-old’s potential.

“There is no doubt that he has talent, can score individual goals and is good at dribbling.” said Wood.

“That’s one of his most important qualities, but there are areas he needs to improve on: his passing, holding the ball, protecting the ball, hiding the ball when he’s dribbling, being more productive with his finished product and giving more assists. There’s a lot more to come, but he’s still young and hasn’t been with the club very long.”