Alejandro Garnacho has come under criticism recently due to his performances and lack of goals, but he still has the support and backing of his fellow countrymen.
The Argentine winger has worked his way back into the starting eleven under Ruben Amorim after an early wobble but remains with just one goal in just under 30 games for the club, which is not a satisfactory record for a team the size of Manchester United.
Despite that stark record hanging over the winger every time he steps on the pitch, this season at the club has been his most productive regarding goal contributions, beating even last year’s impressive return under Erik ten Hag.
Alejandro Garnacho however still holds the support of his fellow countrymen from Argentina, with a certain full-back who has played over 65 games for the nation recently coming out with strong words of support for the 20-year-old, who is soon to turn 21.
United will face the player in question this Thursday in the Europa League, and they will be hoping their winger can get the better of the defender, as the pair will be up against one another.
Tagliafico comes to support of Garnacho
United will come up against Nicolas Tagliafico this Thursday in what can only be described as the biggest game of the season, and the former Ajax defender has had some glowing words to say about the Reds’ winger.
Garnacho has become acquainted with Tagliafico, who was part of the 2022 World Cup winning squad for Argentina, and the Lyon man believes that despite recent criticism, the United forward can still become a great star in the future.
Speaking MailSport, the defender said: “I think he (Garnacho) can still be a great star, of course. I know he has had some difficult moments under the coach, but maybe he needs more support on the pitch.
“Sometimes, it is more about communication. When a winger is in front of me, I like to talk to them and encourage them to take on more one-on-ones or when to tuck in. Maybe that’s what he needs more at United.”
“He’s still very young, but he is dangerous, and he is really fast. He has talent. There are not many like him in style now for Argentina.”
Garnacho was lively against Manchester City, and there are signs he is beginning to find that form that made him one of the most highly rated young players on the planet last season.
Tagliafico’s statement about not many players in Argentina having the assets the Carrington Academy graduate has is a huge piece of praise, and those at United, especially Amorim, will be mindful of trying to put those assets into effect on Thursday.
Garnacho is still a huge talent
Despite the form at recent times this season, Alejandro Garnacho is still Manchester United’s biggest threat at times, outside of Bruno Fernandes. His pace and persistence are a danger to any defence, and the one thing holding him back at the moment is his decision making and belief in front of goal.
There is also a giant point to be made regarding the number of games the winger played and started under Erik ten Hag last season, which does seem to have worn him down.
Read More: Liam Delap told to “show character” and make Manchester United move despite Chelsea interest
Playing that many games at such a young age is not always the most beneficial for development, particularly in a team like United last year, who went through incredibly turbulent emotions during the campaign.
If United can manage that development in the coming months, with Amad also coming back to ease the burden, there is no doubt at the player Garnacho could become, and Amorim more than anyone will recognize that potential.
He’s a player his side needs at the peak of his powers to be able to progress past a Tagliafico-led Lyon on Thursday and try and pave a way into the Champions League next season by winning the Europa League.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.