Alejandro Garnacho‘s star turn for Manchester United against Sheriff Tiraspol has increased the competition for a starting spot in the team’s attack.
The teenager seized his opportunity and pushed himself up the pecking order. The winger has put himself into the conversation for opportunities in Premier League games.
Garnacho’s opportunity came at the expense of Jadon Sancho, who was left on the bench. The former Dortmund star’s form has been patchy this season.
Rio Ferdinand called Sancho out earlier this week, suggesting he wasn’t playing like himself, not taking enough risks. Garnacho was the opposite, demonstrating a fearlessness in possession and willingness to take players on.
Don’t write Jadon Sancho off yet
Garnacho has the ability to become a regular in United’s front three. This doesn’t necessarily have to come at Sancho’s expense, who can play either side of the attack.
Much of the criticism of Sancho’s form has been overblown. While it certainly does seem like he is playing within himself, possibly due to a lack of confidence, he has still been making an impact on games.
Sancho scored the opening goal against Liverpool earlier this season, the winner against Leicester, and the opener in United’s away win over Sheriff Tiraspol.
He also provided the assist against Tottenham for the opener, and supplied the pass for Scott McTominay’s winner against Omonia.
These are all game changing moments which have led to points on board for United in Premier League and Europa League games.
Until Alejandro Garnacho is doing the same, Sancho should still be considered the best option, despite the excitement the youngster generates.
It is right to say there is a sense that Sancho is still under delivering, based on what he is capable of. This is down to the high fee United paid, and his high productivity at Dortmund. But what he has actually delivered, should not be easily dismissed either.
This fresh challenge for his place could work in his favour too. We have seen how Luke Shaw has responded positively to the competition from Tyrell Malacia. Garnacho’s rise could be the spark he needs to push on.
Anthony Elanga should be worried
There is one player who should be concerned with Garnacho’s elevation, and that’s Anthony Elanga, who was overlooked by Erik ten Hag last night.
Elanga has not had many chances under Ten Hag, but after a lively cameo performance against Chelsea at the weekend, it had appeared as though he was in line to get a chance against Sheriff Tiraspol.
Instead the Sweden international had to watch from the stands as Garnacho was picked ahead of him.
Sancho can be confident he will get more chances. Elanga can’t say the same. The Carabao Cup tie in a fortnight may now be his only chance of a starting opportunity before the World Cup break.
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