Erik ten Hag comments on Alejandro Garnacho impact for United against Palace

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Alejandro Garnacho had the unfortunate situation of being a substitute who became substituted in Manchester United’s win over Crystal Palace.

But this was no reflection on Garnacho’s actual performance. After coming on in the 59th minute against Palace, Garnacho helped lift United, after the performance had gone flat.

United were leading 1-0 through an early Bruno Fernandes penalty, but particularly early in the second half, United stalled.

Then on came Garnacho for Wout Weghorst, and minutes later Marcus Rashford had doubled United’s lead.

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Ten Hag on Garnacho

Garnacho played a part in United’s second goal, linking up with Luke Shaw, who provided the ball for Rashford to hit his 19th goal of the season.

But then a red card to Casemiro changed the game. United conceded a goal, and then had to hang on to leave with all three points.

In doing so, Erik ten Hag made tactical changes, one of which included taking Garnacho off in the 87th minute as part of a double change which saw Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof come on.

With seven minutes of injury time, United needed all defenders on the pitch to see out the win.

Speaking after the game via the club website, Erik ten Hag made very clear he was very impressed with Garnacho’s impact.

He said: “I think it was difficult for the opponent when we bring in that sub [Garnacho on for Wout Weghorst] because it was a different dynamic all of a sudden.

“They are focusing on a player who is playing all of the time on the ball and then they have a player who is going round the back of them.

“It was great to see that the team picked up a good dynamic and the change, and took the benefit of it.”

Garnacho has been a regular in United’s squad in recent weeks and even started the recent Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

He will be anxious to get back on the scoresheet soon, but Ten Hag is clearly very pleased with the 18-year-old’s impact.