Some players are destined for greatness. Alejandro Garnacho is one of them, but Manchester United’s rising star had to get out of his own way first.
For the past three weeks, the 18-year-old has impressed with the Red Devils. He debuted with the starting eleven and scored his first goal. The garnacho made the difference in the six-goal thriller, the Carabao Cup tie against Aston Villa. His contribution to United’s 4–2 win was two assists from the bench.
Managing immense talent is no mean feat, especially if he’s young. Erik ten Hag measures his praise and tutelage of the star. The United manager also admitted that the teenager hasn’t always been in his good books (via The Daily Mail).
Bruno Fernandes echoed these sentiments saying the rising star “didn’t have the best attitude” during his pre-season tour. The Portuguese midfielder said this after the young Garnacho scored an impressive goal against Real Sociedad in the Europa League in San Sebastian.
Tough Love by ten Hag
Later, it was learned that Garnacho’s crime was being late for two team meetings on the trip to Bangkok and Australia. The misconduct earned the youngster the painful experience of watching United from the bench during the four-game tour.
Boss Ten Hag took another chance to make sure Garnacho stayed grounded. After a stellar performance against Villa, the United manager warned: “It depends on his approach, his attitude.”
He said: ‘When I keep working then, yes, it’s possible [for him to play more]. He wants to improve every day. He has to do the right things in his lifestyle. He has the ability.
Taking matters into their own hands
To his credit, Garnacho has turned the page since his misdemeanors on tour. The gifted number 49 enlisted the help of United’s fitness staff and requested a personalized gym program.
Sources say that his physique has already begun to reap the rewards. In addition, she is also working with a nutritionist and is becoming fluent in English due to regular language lessons.
A great support system
Ten Hag is no stranger to developing young talent. Keeping the youngster on the ground with a good head on his shoulders will be a challenge with all the hype surrounding Garnacho.
Fortunately, both Ten Hag and Garnacho have a reliable support system in Garnacho’s mother, father, and younger brother.
His family have joined him in England to support him off the pitch, and on the pitch, the likes of Lisandro Martinez keep a close eye on the rising star.
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