Manchester United rolled back the years to Fergie time vs Lyon in their thrilling 5-4 win to progress to the semifinals of the Europa League.
It is inarguable that the game shouldn’t even have been that exhilarating in the first place but, sometimes, the manner of United’s win vs Lyon can do more for the morale than a no-fuss 2-0 victory.
As expected after such a massive win, there were plenty of positives to take, from Harry Maguire’s maverick display to Bruno Fernandes being the team’s heartbeat.
However, Ruben Amorim will probably be most pleased with one Man Utd ace who finally did vs Lyon what he’s been criticsed all seeason for avoiding.
Alejandro Garnacho turns a corner
United started well in the game and a lot of credit for that goes to Alejandro Garnacho, who ran at the defence with abandon.
Amorim said after the game that Garnacho was the only transition threat and he played that role to perfection despite running on fumes.
However, both those traits are something which are associated with Garnacho by now – endless running and taking his man on.
What isn’t generally associated with him, and he’s come under a lot of criticism for avoiding, is that final pass or end product. He turned a corner in that aspect.
When he received the ball in the box from Fernandes in the 10th minute, almost everybody was braced for an overpowered shot into the side netting.
Instead, Garnacho squared it over to Manuel Ugarte who tapped it home into effectively an open net to give United the lead.
Rio Ferdinand recognised the same in Garnacho’s game, saying, “Garnacho has come under a bit of scrutiny for end product, but on that occasion he was on the move and it was a wonderful touch, execution of the pass was spot on.”
Best and worst of Garnacho in the same game
The Argentine attacker undoubtedly merited all the praise that came his way in the immediate aftermath of the goal but he soon reverted to form.
It was a game where Man Utd fans saw the best and worst of Garnacho at the same time, summed up by a passage of play in the second half.
For every pass and assist like that to Ugarte, there were two or three moments of maddening decision-making or wasteful shooting.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that he is still only 20 despite being around for what feels like a long time so that assist should be taken as a building block.
More of that, less of whatever else he did during the game, and United will have a monster on their hand.
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