Rio Ferdinand has waxed lyrical about one Manchester United star after Erik ten Hag’s men suffered a defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Erik ten Hag’s men returned to Wembley on Saturday for the Community Shield clash after Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May.
Alejandro Garnacho replaced Amad Diallo in the second half and the 20-year-old United winger broke the deadlock at Wembley in the 82nd minute.
However, Bernardo Silva produced an all-important equaliser for City in regular playing time and forced the Community Shield match to penalties.
City defeated United 7-6 on penalties at Wembley, with Red Devils duo Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missing from the spot-kick.
Ferdinand praises Man Utd star
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will now turn his attention to the new Premier League season after the defeat to Manchester City.
The Red Devils will kick off their 2024-25 Premier League season on Friday, with United set to host Fulham at Old Trafford.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand showered Alejandro Garnacho for his performance against City in the Community Shield.
The 45-year-old United legend insisted that Garnacho has a “valuable asset” when it comes to seizing the ball in “big moments” and scoring for United in the process.
“He just fills me with so much enthusiasm, man, his appetite for the big moments,” Ferdinand said.
“Again, he’s saying give me the ball in the big moments, I am going to take this game, get you a goal.
“It’s a valuable asset to have when you have got someone who’s so young, so enthused when he comes on and wanting to hurt the opponents at every given opportunity. And he’s so direct.”
Why Garnacho was on the bench vs Man City
Garnacho missed United’s pre-season tour this summer after representing Argentina at the 2024 Copa America alongside teammate Lisandro Martinez.
Ten Hag insisted that there were “more reasons not to start” the Argentina winger for the Community Shield clash, despite admitting Garnacho did “very well” against City.
“Not so much, but the approach from every player is individual, but also to see which players were available and had a full pre-season,” he said.
“Like Amad and [Marcus] Rashford. Both had a full pre-season, were available.
“It’s always a lot working in the wide areas, pressing, compact pressing but also behind in attacking. We expect a lot of movement in behind, so run speed. We need fresh players but also players to start.
“To bring Alejandro, always a very good sub, also that is in your back [pocket], so there were more reasons not to start with him but he did very well.
“He came in and the plan went as we thought it should go. It’s only disappointing we couldn’t bring it over the line.”
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