Manchester United had to settle for second spot in their Europa League group despite defeating Real Sociedad 1-0 at Reale Arena - losing out on top spot to the Spanish side by one goal.
Despite winning the game it felt like a loss. This is because United now have to face an eliminated Champions League side in a play-off if they are to reach the Europa League round of 16.
The game's biggest positive from the visitors' point of view was teenage sensation Alejandro Garnacho, who turned in yet another glitzy performance for the Red Devils. It was just seven days ago that the Argentine international turned in a sublime performance against Sheriff to give a glimpse to his promising future. Fast forward a week and he scored his first senior goal for the Red Devils.
The 18-year-old was set away by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and found the back of the net with a sublime finish from the left to find the top-right corner for the only goal of the match.
Garnacho was embraced by the veteran Portuguese star in the celebrations and it is frightening to think that when Ronaldo joined United for his first spell, the youngster wasn’t even born. With that delightful opener, Garnacho became United’s youngest non-English scorer in European competition, supplanting the great George Best.
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That is two positive performances from the youngster in his last two matches for United and Erik ten Hag will start to weigh-up whether or not it might be time to unleash him in the Premier League.
Garnacho has already featured in the league, but his previous appearances in the competition came before the Dutchman took over the reins at Old Trafford. He is certainly grabbing attention with each appearance he makes, and some fans feel he deserves more minutes in the side.
What a way to score your first Manchester United goal... keep an eye on this youngster! 🤩
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Everyone knows just how much of a struggle it has been trying to unlock the Borussia Dortmund version of Jadon Sancho. The England international has found it difficult to replicate the same form and consistency at Old Trafford as he did in the Bundesliga before his move last summer.
After scoring against Liverpool and Leicester City earlier in the campaign, you thought that Sancho was really going to push on after a slow debut campaign. The winger has not scored since, and his only assist of the season came in the emphatic 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last month.
With Garnacho dazzling in his recent performances in Europe, he could offer Ten Hag a different dynamic in the final two league matches before the break for the World Cup. The Spanish-born forward always likes to play forward and isn’t afraid to take players on.
By taking players on, he is doing something that Sancho has not been doing anywhere near enough. That is likely down to confidence but he could learn a thing or two from the attitude Garnacho has been applying to matches.
He isn’t fazed by defenders, if there is one in his path he will look to beat him. If he was to be granted a first Premier League appearance of the season, Garnacho’ determined progressive play can help inspire bravery from Sancho to take defenders on.
It will certainly provide a headache for Ten Hag, but a welcome one. With the more attacking options he has at his disposal, the stronger United’s top-four credentials will become.
