Alejandro Garnacho looks more and more like the future of Manchester United every week, and it seems that new boss Erik Ten Hag echoes this sentiment.
In a report by Steve Bates for the Mirror, it has been revealed that Manchester United are currently prioritising a new six-year contract for young winger Alejandro Garnacho in an attempt to seal his future with the club.
Ten Hag is already aware of the frightening talent the 17-year-old possesses, having asked the Head of Academy Nick Cox to provide him with a detailed report on the player.
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Now it seems as though Ten Hag is looking to fast-track the Argentine’s development, which he has reportedly told senior staff at the club, and that he is keen for him to play a role in the first team next season.
Garnacho was a beacon of hope for the future in what was a very uninspiring 2021/22 campaign for the Red Devils, wowing with his performances at youth level - including spearheading the club to their first FA Youth Cup victory since 2011 and picking up the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
More recently, Garnacho was a standout for his country’s Under 20's side at the Maurice Revello tournament, picking up two individual awards including Revelation of the Tournament.
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Things just keep getting better and better for Garnacho, it is almost difficult to believe he is just 17 given how remarkably talented he is and the club are recognising this with the news of a new contract being a priority.
Multiple top clubs around Europe have shown interest in Garnacho, which also plays into why the club are so keen to tie him down.
United reportedly also set Ten Hag up with an MUTV subscription so that he could rewatch the U18s play in the FA Youth Cup final, where Garnacho scored two, and the player was Ten Hag’s main focus.
Former Red Arthur Albiston, now an academy analyst on MUTV, has only positive things to say about Garnacho.
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‘I've watched his development and he's now catching the eye without a doubt because he's adding goals to his game. He's a very talented lad and can come off both wings and cut inside because he's got two good feet.
"That's a problem for defenders because he's capable of going by you on both sides of the pitch. He's got good balance, moves well and clearly has a sound temperament.
‘I've seen a lot of kids coming through at United who have ability but playing in front of 75,000 at Old Trafford is another level and not all of them can handle that. Garnacho looks like he can.
"He stepped up with no problem when United had a penalty in the FA Youth Cup Final against Forest. He won the penalty with some sharp play then tucked it away as cool as you like in front of the Stretford End."
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Albiston was particularly impressed by this mental strength displayed by Garnacho, further commenting on it when he mentioned how the winger never shies away from taking his man on despite how much he is fouled.
It is true that Garnacho is targeted at youth level, opposition players often leave something extra on him in an attempt to get in his head, yet Garnacho seems to remain unfazed every time.
The Argentine is absolutely a rising star, and the faith of Erik Ten Hag only seeks to confirm that.
In tying him down, United have themselves a real gem on their hands in the long-term.
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Topics: Alejandro Garnacho, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Argentina
