Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has urged Alejandro Garnacho to “dig out some tapes” on one legendary Premier League player in a bid to improve further at Manchester United.
Garnacho has shown moments of pure brilliance for United this season, including his sensational bicycle kick in the 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park last month.
The 19-year-old United winger is a long-term prospect at Old Trafford and Erik ten Hag is a big fan of Garnacho, who has firmly established himself in the first team.
Garnacho, who has been compared with one club legend, has made 25 appearances across all competitions and has scored five times in United’s mixed season so far.
However, the Argentina international has sometimes faced criticism over his lack of impact in a match and over his run of form in a United shirt.
Ten Hag has often deployed Garnacho out on the left wing, preferring Antony out on the right flank, in support of United striker Rasmus Hojlund this season.
However, Garnacho earned rave reviews over his stunning performance in United’s 3-2 comeback win against Villa at Old Trafford earlier this week.
The United winger was deployed out on the right ahead of Antony and Garnacho rewarded Ten Hag’s faith in him with a superb brace in the Premier League clash.
Souness’ advice to United star Garnacho
Speaking in his column for The Daily Mail, former Liverpool captain Souness picked out his five stars to watch in 2024 and named Garnacho as one of his choices.
Joining Souness’ list were Real Marid’s Jude Bellingham, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Souness insisted that Garnacho should spend more time studying Ryan Giggs, who is the “finest [winger] since George Best was wearing a United shirt.”
The former Sky Sports pundit wrote: “What frustrates me about him are his theatrics and the infernal holding his hand up to his head when he has a shot at goal and it goes 10 yards wide, as if it’s a big drama. Did Ryan Giggs do that?
“To Garnacho, I say: ‘Go and dig out some tapes of Giggs, the best winger we’ve seen in Britain in modern times and the finest since George Best was wearing a United shirt.’ It’s not all about you, son. Just get on with the game.
“That theatrical stuff is not necessary and it’s not what top players do. It’s irritating to watch.”
Garnacho could learn a lot from Giggs
Giggs’ exemplary football career could be a major source of inspiration for Garnacho, who could have a lot of impact out on the wing if he followed in his footsteps.
The 50-year-old Welshman showed exactly what it took to remain a key figure under former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, spending his entire career at Old Trafford.
Giggs, who was one of three locker-room leaders for Ferguson, highlighted his effective footballing IQ out on the wing during his prime playing career at United.
The United legend’s brilliance on the pitch extended to his seamless transition from a winger to central midfield towards the end of his legendary Old Trafford spell.
Garnacho has already proved he can show shades of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who is his idol, with the impact that he can have during matches for United.
But if the United star can bring consistency to his career and channel some of Giggs’ strongest attributes, then Garnacho will only improve further as a potent winger.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
