Manchester United manager Erik ten Hague has warned Alejandro Garnacho that he needs to make sure his attitude and lifestyle are right if he wants to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old substitute produced a stunning half-hour cameo to help United beat Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup and book a home fourth-round tie with Burnley next month.
Villa led twice through own goals from Ollie Watkins and Diego Delot in a thrilling second half that had been disappointing at first.
But they had no answer to Garnacho’s direct runs as the Argentine wideman became the youngest United player to claim two assists in a game as he set up goals for Bruno Fernandes and then Scott McTominay. , got into the heart of the visitors with a brilliant long pass. ‘ box.
This positive contribution is in stark contrast to his experience on United’s pre-season tours of Thailand and Australia, when he was banned from playing in matches as a disciplinary measure after twice arriving late for team meetings.
And, while Ten Hague praised Garnacho for his performance against Villa, the Dutchman’s words came with a clear caveat.
“It depends on his approach, his attitude,” said ten Hague. “If he keeps his attitude and wants to improve every day and is doing the right things in his lifestyle, it’s possible.
“You can see he has the ability and he can contribute to attacking football. He also has something, he can break down a compact defensive line.
“All teams that want to attack, that want to play in the opposition’s half, need players like that. He can outplay them and do the right thing in the final decisions.”
