Manchester United and Erik ten Hag finally had something to celebrate on the other side of the international break with their 2-1 win vs Brentford at Old Trafford.
It broke a five-match winless run for team that was quickly dropping down the Premier League table, let alone challenge for Champions League qualification.
Erik ten Hag’s tactical change unleashed a much-improved second half, but even overall, the performance provided something to build upon.
Rasmus Hojlund got back on the scoresheet and Alejandro Garnacho clinically dispatched Marcus Rashford’s cross to give Manchester United the win.
Rashford was the unsung winner vs Brentford, while Matthijs de Ligt’s warrior-like mentality won him fans’ respect.
However, it was also clear during the game that Old Trafford has firmly established a new hero to worship, and that is a result of consistent displays and mentality for a long time.
Alejandro Garnacho is player for all seasons
The game vs Brentford was trending in the same direction as many previous United games this season have gone.
The team created the odd chance here and there but struggled to impose themselves before a combination of luck plus bad defending had them a goal down.
Generally, what has happened after that is a collapse and a loss, increasing the pressure on Ten Hag and questioning the players’ mentality.
Those questions were answered loudly vs Brentford as Garnacho set United on their way with a leveller just after half-time.
The Argentine was also a culprit of the many missed chances but he turned his finishing luck around at the time when the team needed him the most.
However, it was his performance before the goal and leading up to this game that were truly admirable. The goal vs Brentford simply cemented the sentiment that had been building all along.
Old Trafford has a new hero to worship.
Garnacho epitomises perfect Man Utd player
It is easy to look good in a team that is playing well, keeping clean sheets, and scoring goals for fun because the slice of the pie is so big that everyone gets some.
However, when the team is struggling, average players go into hiding or just aren’t able to impose themselves on the game.
Their body language speaks volumes and they look like they’re playing with the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Therefore, the players who stand up and make themselves counted in these moments are the ones who make a place for themselves in fans’ hearts.
Garnacho’s ability to keep going regardless of his, or the team’s own circumstances has been lauded by many and with his fearless style of football, he epitomises the perfect Man Utd player.
Getting the fans off their seats has always been an important trait among Man Utd wingers and nobody does it quite as well, and regularly as the Argentine.
Still just 20, he already has favourite status at Old Trafford and with more such displays as he continues to grow into a formidable player, the sky is the limit for him.
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