Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho made a real impact against West Ham with a two-goal performance.
While Alejandro Garnacho‘s first goal against West Ham was not the best goal he will score, courtesy of a large deflection, the celebration was memorable.
Garnacho perched himself on the advertising hoardings, hands on his hips, joined by young teammates Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund.
It made for an iconic picture, one Manchester United fans hope will be emblematic of the club’s promising new generation.
But many believe it was a subtle dig at West Ham’s Mohamed Kudus, who celebrated the same way after his goal in the earlier match between the two teams in December.
Michail Antonio addresses Alejandro Garnacho celebration
West Ham forward Michail Antonio has become the first Hammers star to comment on Alejandro Garnacho’s celebration, and bears no grudge towards the young Manchester United star.
Speaking on The Players’ Channel podcast, Antonio explained: “That is Kudus’ celebration, that’s Mo’s celebration. They took it to heart that he done that, [but] thats his signature celebration, no one was doing that before. I’m not gonna lie, I’m jealous because that celebration is hard, I wish I thought of that myself.
“So it’s either they were doing it to rub it in his face, or they were doing it because how good the celebration is.”
Garnacho has used other players’ celebrations before, notably Cristiano Ronaldo’s, his former Manchester United teammate, and that was a compliment.
Ronaldo has even celebrated like this previously too, sitting on the hoardings, so Kudus is not the first to do so.
Garnacho making a real impact
Alejandro Garnacho has scored seven goals this season to date, and is on course to reach double figures.
He has scored the same number of goals for Manchester United in total as Jadon Sancho, despite playing in fewer games.
Garnacho has really kicked on since moving to the right wing, and has already won two player of the month awards at the club so far this season.
If he does not win the Premier League goal of the season award too, it would be a travesty, after his spectacular overhead kick against Everton.
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