Manchester United avenged their Premier League loss to Aston Villa by winning their Carabao Cup third round match against the same opponents 4-2.
United showed plenty of spirit as they came from behind on two separate occasions before securing their place in the fourth round.
All six goals came in the second half with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay scoring for the Red Devils.
Garnacho shining
While Fernandes’ return to the team played a pivotal role in United’s triumph, one player who changed the face of the entire game after his arrival was Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine was electric during the 30 minutes he was on the field as he ran over Villa. The 18-year-old became the youngest United player to record two assists.
Fernandes and McTominay scored with their passes and both were sublime. He showed maturity beyond his years as the Portuguese scored United’s third while McTominay’s cross for the goal was magical.
“I think it was good that also when he came in he showed a performance that has an impact on the game,” Ten Hag said at the end of the game.
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“Pretty clear, with two assists, some good dribbling, runs behind, but also some things that he has to improve. For example, when we go for the long ball, don’t go for the header with Scott McTominay, go for the second ball.
“He still has things to learn, but it’s pretty obvious that we’re very happy with his development, with his performance tonight and he can contribute to this team.”
It has been a memorable couple of weeks for the United academy graduate as he made his full debut for the club in both the Premier League and Europe and also opened his tally for the club with a well-executed goal against Real Sociedad.
Erik ten Hag has spoken of his attitude problems which had hampered his chances of making more appearances for the club earlier in the season, but they have since improved.
The ETH challenge for Garnacho
And the manager has now challenged the Argentine to try and become a regular in the starting eleven despite the presence of more experienced stars like Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga.
“Can he have a regular role? It depends on how your approach, how your attitude, when you keep working, you keep this attitude, then it is possible.
“That you maintain the attitude that you want to improve every day and that you are doing the right thing in your lifestyle, then it is possible.”
Garnacho has shown no fear when he has been pushed deep and one of the most important things he has is his will to stand up to his man.
The other wingers at Ten Hag’s disposal, especially Sancho, have not shown the same level of bravery and instead have been hesitant with the ball at their feet and have not confronted their man despite being presented with the chance.
United and Ten Hag will wait for more to come from Garnacho. He has the world at his feet and all he needs to do is work hard to achieve his goals.
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