Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that Alejandro Garnacho’s breakthrough caused him to adjust his transfer plans.
Speaking to a press conference, Ten Hag explained that he is already planning two to three transfer windows in advance at Manchester United.
Garnacho, 19, has established himself as a first team regular this season and played a key role in Manchester United’s match winner against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
He has made 21 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United’s first team this season.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Ten Hag changed transfer plans
Ten Hag explained that Garnacho’s emergence has caused him to adapt his plans, and this is an adjustment he was happy to make.
He told the club website: “I think our summer plans, we have an idea on the long-term.
“You will also look two-three windows ahead and so we have that long-term plan. But also, you have to revisit that plan every time because of developments.
“For instance, who could have expected this development with [Alejandro] Garnacho and so this changes your approach to the window.”
Ten Hag plays down Garnacho’s potential here, because his emergence was quite easy to see coming after his FA Youth Cup heroics last season – but you can never take it for granted.
Managers can’t assume academy players will step up, that just increases the pressure on them. Ten Hag though, is willing to be fluid with his plans, to give opportunities to those he feels are most deserving.
It’s unclear if Ten Hag’s comment on transfers relates specifically to the past transfer window, perhaps prompting him to back off a pursuit of Cody Gakpo.
It certainly decreases the need for an extra wide player, and United’s transfers can be focused in other areas, on a centre-forward.
Garnacho has been a revelation this season and there is so much more to come from him. United will want to secure a long-term contract extension for the teenager, to ensure he remains in Ten Hag’s long-term vision for the club.