Manchester United’s players had a stark wake-up call against Ipswich that improvement does not just ‘happen’. They have to work for it.
The hard work against Bodo/Glimt began to pay off after just 40 seconds, scoring even quicker than they did at Portman Road. Alejandro Garnacho netted a tap-in after Rasmus Hojlund pressured the Old-Trafford-admiring goalkeeper into an error.
But then United were caught out. Twice. The Norwegians took a 2-1 lead, having to fight back into the game to go 3-2 up.
Having re-taken the lead, United’s players were in no mood to relinquish it again. And one passage of play underlined how Ruben Amorim’s message to his players was beginning to get through.
Alejandro Garnacho pulled off vital interception
Alejandro Garnacho is viewed as one of the most attack-minded players in the Manchester United team. The winger is not really considered as a viable option for a wing-back role due to concerns whether he would track back enough.
Whether that role is ever a possibility or not, Garnacho applied himself in a very impressive way to demonstrate his defensive commitment in the second half.
With Bodo/Glimt on the attack, they delivered a dangerous cross into the box – only for Alejandro Garnacho to make the interception inside his own six-yard box, before Andre Onana gratefully mopped up.
This was not an incident following a set piece where Garnacho had begun in the position. It was a passage of open play, and the Argentine had tracked the Bodo/Glimt move all the way back, and ensured he was in the right position at the right time to cut out the move.
It’s the type of goal we have seen United concede regularly, where you lament the moment a player fails to see the danger, or simply gives up running. Garnacho did neither, he committed fully.
The moment was lauded on TNT Sport commentary, with Robbie Savage reacting: “That is brilliant from Garnacho, absolutely magnificent defending.”
Alejandro Garnacho is buying in
Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude in this moment really stood out. It was the type of moment you might expect from Manuel Ugarte, United’s tackle and interception machine.
But to see the young attacking winger flying back to cut out an attack, was something else.
Savage has said he does believe wing-back is better for Garnacho in this system, as he does not fit as a striker or number 10.
This moment might make Ruben Amorim reconsider. When United’s squad and coaching staff watch this one back, Garnacho may be getting a few pats on the back.
It was a moment that was genuinely great to see, and emblematic of a squad that is buying into their head coach’s methods.
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