Erik ten Hag suggests that Manchester United supporters will witness an increased presence of Alejandro Garnacho in the position where he caused chaos against Aston Villa last night.
Despite trailing 2-0 and facing criticism at halftime, United, under Ten Hag’s guidance, seemed headed for another disheartening evening at Old Trafford, especially with Sir David Brailsford observing for his upcoming key role in the new INEOS regime.
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However, facing adversity, United delivered their finest 45 minutes of football this season, orchestrating a memorable comeback fueled by their talented Argentine winger.
Garnacho, having exclusively played on the left wing throughout his club career, was directed to cut inside on his dominant right foot.
However, as opposing defenses became aware of this strategy, he has appeared visibly frustrated in recent times.
Last night, with Marcus Rashford back in the starting lineup and occupying his preferred position on the left, Ten Hag altered Garnacho’s role, resulting in an outstanding performance.
The teenager netted two goals in the second half, narrowly missing a hat-trick due to a VAR offside decision.
Observing his team deliver their most unified attacking performance of the season, Ten Hag is convinced that Garnacho and a seemingly revitalized Rashford have demonstrated their compatibility in the same starting XI.
‘Previously as well, he was almost more comfortable on the left but I think he can play on the right as well,’ Ten Hag said. ‘Today, I think he was on that right side over 90 minute an absolute threat, scored twice.
‘But I think the whole frontline played very good. They invested so much in the runs behind, the timings were so good and it was continuing a threat for the opponent.
‘I think he (Rashford) played very good but he was ill during the period,” Ten Hag said of Rashford’s time out of the team. “Also, he had one or two games that we prefer to play Garnacho over the left side because he deserved it.
‘He showed he was not only a threat, he had key actions, assists, shots on target, scored goals. So there is also internal competition, but we have to see how we fit them in together.’
Meanwhile, Ten Hag anticipates that Rasmus Hojlund will continue to find the net after United’s £72 million acquisition broke his Premier League goal drought, securing a remarkable 3-2 victory.
Following Garnacho’s two goals that nullified Villa’s first-half lead, Hojlund sealed the win in the 82nd minute with an instinctive shot at the turn, igniting celebrations in the ecstatic Stretford End.
Despite finishing as United’s leading scorer in their brief Champions League campaign, the summer signing from Atalanta had struggled to score in 16 domestic matches. However, he capitalized on McGinn’s flick, finding the net eight minutes from time.
‘Of course I’ve had several talks with him and every time I’ve pointed out he has scored for Denmark a lot, he has scored in the Champions League, he has demonstrated his ability so you can do it, believe,’ Ten Hag said of the 20-year-old Dane.
‘I’m sure now he has the first goal he will score more…
‘When a striker doesn’t score it’s a problem but he has a strong character, he is so solid, determined. He has a big personality. I think this is what a striker needs. When you keep investing, the goals will come.’
