Manchester United are finding a way to score goals on a regular basis once again, and it could be down to one key switch.
If there was a turning point in Manchester United’s season, you can pinpoint it to the Boxing Day win over Aston Villa.
United were 2-0 down at half-time and not many gave the team much chances of a comeback. Prior to this, United had failed to score in four consecutive matches against Bournemouth, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and West Ham.
Then one switch seemed to change everything, with Alejandro Garnacho moving to the right wing, inspiring a 3-2 comeback victory. He has not looked back.
Alejandro Garnacho on the right wing looks like his best position
The 3-2 win over Aston Villa has unlocked a bit of a scoring spree for Manchester United. More specifically, Garnacho’s shift to the right wing.
The past three Premier League games have seen Manchester United score nine goals, two against Tottenham, four against Wolves and three against West Ham.
Add in the six goals combined against Newport and Wigan, and Manchester United are beginning to find that hunger for hitting the back of the net again.
Garnacho has been a key part of this, with his position on the right working for the good of the team.
Why Alejandro Garnacho is ‘better on the right’
Alejandro Garnacho being ‘better on the right’ is partly down to simply being able to fit him into the same starting XI as Marcus Rashford.
The pace both players offer gives United a real direct, balanced threat, compared to earlier in the season when they were competing for a spot on the left.
One of the best halves of football United played this season was the first 40 minutes away against Copenhagen, before Rashford’s red card.
In that match, Garnacho was one the left, and Rashford was on the right. It is as simple as getting the two pacy players on the pitch, around Rasmus Hojlund.
United are too predictable with Antony on the right. It is up to the Brazilian to change his game, or play from the left on his natural foot.
At the moment Garnacho has found his best role, with United’s front three beginning to click.
Alejandro Garnacho praised for his performances
Garnacho’s impact was hailed in a segment for ESPN FC, with former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs discussing how integral he has been to the team’s improve form.
He said: “The shackles are off, they are starting to play with a bit more freedom, they are working for each other. They are hunting the ball back in packs when they give it away, they are starting to look like more of a team.
“I am going to give most of that credit to Garnacho and Kobbie [Mainoo] mainly. Kobbie has brought stability in midfield and Garnacho’s just running riot like I thought he would. Those kids are reviving that United team at the minute.”
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
