Erik ten Hag risks undoing own Man Utd work as Alejandro Garnacho problem arises
Erik ten Hag reviews Man Utd's win against Burnley
Manchester United may be at risk of stalling Alejandro Garnacho’s development as Erik ten Hag continues to overlook the 19-year-old winger at the start of his second season. Garnacho was expected to enjoy an increased role at Old Trafford following his breakthrough 2022/23 campaign, but his opportunities have been limited.
Ten Hag made Garnacho a full-time fixture in his senior squad last term, and he registered five goals and five assists in 34 appearances.
The Argentina international inherited the No 17 shirt in the summer, an upgrade which hinted that his rank had upgraded.
But after starting United’s opening two games against Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur, he has had to settle for just 20 minutes worth of substitute cameos across the five games that followed.
Garnacho was an unused substitute in the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest before brief outings in the dying embers of defeats to Arsenal, Brighton and Hove Albion and Bayern Munich.
He was snubbed again in Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Burnley despite Ten Hag’s ongoing wing struggles, with Antony and Jadon Sancho currently unavailable for non-football reasons.
Ten Hag cited United’s attempt at holding onto the lead at Turf Moor as his reason for opting against handing Garnacho game time.
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He said: “He [Garnacho] was in against Munich, and I thought our team was playing very well.
“So I wouldn’t change that tonight because this game was a demand to keep that organisation. That’s why I wouldn’t change.
“I saw the players were still capable, and the fitness levels were good, and the energy was still there. It was only 1-0.”
But Garnacho’s absence sparked concerns, given the 2023/24 season was set up for the exciting prospect to take a huge step to realise his potential.
Garnacho’s preferred position is on the left. However, Rasmus Hojlund’s arrival has left Marcus Rashford as an undroppable force out wide.
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Antony is similarly untouchable on the right when available, and even in his absence, Garnacho hasn’t had a look in.
Ten Hag preferred left-footed Facundo Pellistri against Bayern and selected a narrow diamond formation in United’s last two Premier League games.
The Dutchman will undoubtedly know what he’s doing, having successfully managed exciting young players throughout his coaching career before landing at Old Trafford.
But concerns over Garnacho’s frustrations are warranted. He surely can’t consistently improve if his opportunities are restricted to substitute cameos.
At the same time, starting him over Rashford would be a significant statement that could easily backfire. It’s a nice problem for Ten Hag to have, as the cliche goes, but it doesn’t come without its peril.
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