Alejandro Garnacho is gradually becoming the most fashionable name to come out of Old Trafford.
The youngster has made significant strides in recent weeks, taking the giant step from academy prospect to first-team starter.
Garnacho started his second consecutive game in the Europa League against Real Sociedad, and scored United’s only goal, with a powerful shot into the roof of the Sociedad net that left the goalkeeper no chance.
However, the transition has not been completely smooth for Garnacho, who has had to wait for his opportunity under the command of Erik ten Hag.
According to The Manchester Evening News, the Argentine’s appearance in the spotlight was effectively delayed by the United boss, who was dissatisfied with his attitude while the team was on tour during pre-season.
Garnacho was twice late for team meetings. This, coupled with the revelation that he used to train with his shoelaces untied, apparently angered Ten Hag, who wasted no time in disciplining the player to teach him a harsh lesson.
Samuel Luckhurst reports: “Following his transgressions on tour, pundits say there has been ‘a real change of heart’ on Garnacho’s part and he is now among the first to arrive for training at Carrington. Garnacho showed up for the preseason earlier than expected”.
“I was entitled to three weeks of vacation after representing Argentina U-20 in the Toulon Tournament. Garnacho was driven to Carrington 17 days later, having requested that his return date be brought forward so that he could impress Ten Hag”.
It now appears that Ten Hag has taken the 19-year-old’s redemptive gesture to heart and the player is now reaping the rewards of his hard work.
So loved is the garnacho by the Old Trafford faithful that in front of the Society there were chants of “¡Viva Garnacho” and “¡Ar-gen-ti-na!” These acts of affection were initially the only premise for Lisandro Martínez, who has become a cult hero among United fans.
Lukchurst indicates in his report that Martinez has taken his young fellow Argentine under his wing like an older brother and is extremely protective of the product of the academy.
It is believed that Martínez is hell-bent on passing on his monster mentality to the talented Garnacho and making him one of the best in the world.
Garnacho was signed in the summer of 2020 along with Marc Jurado and Álvaro Fernández. In Carrington they are affectionately called the “Brexit girls” in reference to the last window the club was able to sign teenagers before the UK withdrew from the European Union.
Hopefully Garnacho continues to evolve and become a pillar within the first team this season. He more than has the ability to accomplish this feat.
