After 18-year-old Argentine wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho received a standing ovation following his full debut for Manchester United on Thursday night, Erik ten Hag suggested he has not been entirely happy with the teenager.
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The exciting prospect was handed his first start for the Red Devils in their 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, in which he looked a constant threat on the left side of United's front three.
After being replaced late on in the game, Garnacho was shown appreciation from the Old Trafford faithful, with many getting on their feet to applaud his performance, and Ten Hag appeared to suggest in a post-match press conference that the youngster has had an attitude adjustment of late.
"I think it was a good performance from him. He did what I expect him to do," he said, according to The42.
"First, he deserved the chance after the last weeks. The start was difficult for him in the season.
"I was not happy with him but the last weeks I was happy with him – he got a better attitude, more resilience, more determination and what you see: he is a talent.
"To deal with the ball in tight areas, to run behind, and especially also his tempo dribbles, he can take players on and that's a good capability in football nowadays, especially against opponents who are defending that compact like this opponent.
"I'm happy with that. I hope for him it's a stimulus, this first game, and that he knows, 'Yeah, I have to do better to get into the team', to create more but don't forget the other things. You are playing in a team."
Garnacho played a key role in the club's FA Youth Cup win last season, contributing to an impressive 10 goals in six appearances.
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The winger, who was born in Spain but represents Argentina at youth level, joined United in 2020 from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
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