Erik ten Hag says he is very pleased with the development of Alejandro Garnacho, who also drew praise from fellow winger Facundo Pellistri.
Garnacho has just burst into the Manchester United first team, making two Europa League starts within the space of a week.
Injuries in wide areas have contributed to Garnacho’s opportunity, but it seems his attitude has also improved since pre-season.
Pellistri is another wideman who has been injured for United this season, featuring in the summer before getting injured in the penultimate friendly and is yet to play under Ten Hag.
Ten Hag and Pellistri on Garnacho
In an interview with the club’s official website before Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa, Ten Hag said: “We have some young players so they have to fight, we have to see them every day and, when they do, they come in.
“Especially as an attacking player in the front line as we have some problems [there] with numbers, some injuries and some illness, so I’m really happy with the performance and development of Garnacho.
“I hope he can keep this process going, and then we have the extra option and that is what we need.”
Speaking to ESPN, Pellistri added: “Garnacho is a very fast winger and something that I like a lot about him is that he always tries to face up.
“He is one of those players that whoever you put in front of him, he will always go forward and that is something that I like. Besides that, he is a great friend of mine.”
Pellistri is still waiting for his opportunity and it seems Garnacho is now ahead of him in the pecking order.
United are apparently looking to extend Garnacho’s contract and are confident that he will commit his long-term future to the club.
On the other hand, Pellistri’s agent has said that his client wants to leave United after the World Cup, although it is not clear whether that was on loan or permanently.
He will likely be in the Uruguay squad for the forthcoming World Cup, and that could give him a platform to shine and attract interest.
Garnacho may also be there with Argentina and his star would continue to rise if he shone on the world stage.
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