Alejandro Garnacho makes under-18s debut

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Alejandro Garnacho’s transfer to Manchester United from Atletico Madrid’s academy was officially announced on Friday night.

The move had been in the pipeline for a little while. Garnacho flew to Manchester in early September and had been in quarantine.

He was named in the matchday squad for United’s under-18 side on Saturday.

Garnacho came off the bench on a rain drenched afternoon at City’s training complex as United took on the neighbours in the under-18s derby.

It was a real ‘welcome to Manchester’ moment for the 16-year-old.

Garnacho played for the final 15 minutes as United chased a lead, 2-1 down.

He had one chance from a difficult wide position which he struck with power, but it was rising and went over the bar.

United lost the game, but it was good to see Garnacho make his debut. He looked confident, cutting in from the left, and the young forward will be pleased to get some action in before the break.

Garnacho sent a message expressing how excited he is to sign for United and make his debut, and said he is just getting started.

Deserved more

United’s goal in the 2-1 loss was scored by midfielder Martin Svidersky, who was captaining the side.

This was the first defeat of the season after wins against Blackburn and Burnley.

United have rotated the team through the games, starting a different goalkeeper in each match.

Dermot Mee was in goal for this one and in wet conditions his poorly executed clearance gifted City their winner.

United were unlucky not to grab a point after putting on pressure for the equaliser, with Garnacho coming closest.

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