Gordon Strachan says Alejandro Garnacho has unique attribute the “whole squad needs”

Alejandro Garnacho has quickly become one of Manchester United’s most important players under Erik ten Hag this season.

The United academy graduate emerged as a first-team option under the Dutch manager last term and was a very useful impact player for the side.

However, this season he has come on leaps and bounds to become one of the first names on the teamsheet at Old Trafford. The teenager has started the last 18 Premier League fixtures in a row.

Gordon Strachan spent five years at Old Trafford in the ’80s and spent most of his time on the right side of midfield – exactly where Garnacho is currently displaying his best work.

The former Scotland and Celtic manager believes that the Argentine’s drive to improve his game is ‘rare’ and something that many of his teammates at United could do with.

Speaking exclusively with UtdDistrict, partnered by OLBG, Strachan said: “Alejandro Garnacho has that drive and that willingness to get better in every moment. It’s rare in that dressing room.

“He’s only 19, and he still wants to get better and better, he reminds me of the attitude that everyone had in the dressing room 20 or 30 years ago.

“He has what the whole squad needs to get back because winning is the only thing that matters at Manchester United.”

Garnacho has formed a strong relationship with fellow youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund at Old Trafford.

The three young players have been standout performers for Ten Hag’s side this term, but Garnacho has been the one ever-present in the team among them.

“Garnacho reminds me of Wayne Rooney when he joined the club,” added Strachan. “He was already a world-class player, and Garnacho is similar in that he’s not scared of anything.

“He’s been so positive for Manchester United. You just have to make sure he has the right people around him; that’s what worries me.

“Having said that, there are also some good professionals who have done very well over the years, Casimiro being one of them, if he listens to experience he has a real chance to become a top player.”