Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes were all smiles as Manchester United put on an attacking spectacle in their win over Aston Villa.
The Argentinian wonderkid came off the bench for Manchester United in the Carabao Cup clash and put on a stunning display, capping it all off by providing a brilliant late assist for Scott McTominay to seal a 4-2 win and a place in the fourth round of the competition.
Fernandes had slammed the 18-year-old last week, suggesting Garnacho’s attitude left a lot to be desired in the opening months of the season, but the pair were all smiles as they walked off the pitch after the game.
Garnacho’s assist for McTominay’s goal was a real quality moment at Old Trafford as he sent a perfect through ball into the box.
talkSPORT’s Micky Gray also couldn’t believe what he saw of the starlet, saying the delivery was like watching Man United legend David Beckham.
Gray said in a commentary for talkSPORT: “Erik ten Hag put it on the biggest stage and he found the right fit after coming off the bench.
“All his teammates came up to him, patted his back and hugged him. What a ball in the box, it felt like it was in slow motion coming into the box.
Gray added: “It’s outstanding, it doesn’t get better than this. It’s Beckham-esque, albeit on the other side of the pitch.
Clearly the star of the show, Hugh Woozencroft has even predicted that Garnacho could be the next name to wear United’s famous No.7 shirt.
Speaking on the full-time whistle on talkSPORT, he said: “Those terraces have already vacated their seats for George Best and Cristiano Ronaldo; Alejandro Garnacho is the new name. He could wear number 7 in a few seasons.
“What an introduction. Skill, quality and that help for the end goal. Incredible.”
Gray added: “He’s a prodigy, there’s no doubt in my mind.
“I saw him play many times, I saw him at Old Trafford in the Youth Cup final against Nottingham Forest – he didn’t have a good first half but appeared with a few goals and I was praying that he was going to get his chance this season with a Manchester United shirt and that he got that chance.
“He’s going to have a tough time, there’s no doubt about it, he’s a young man.
“What a performance he put in. He covered every blade of grass on that left side, he had chances himself and what a ball he put on for McTominay.”
“I’m so happy for the young man, I really am.”
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