In Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United identified a 16-year-old talent with the potential to leave an indelible mark on the European scene.
Close to four years later, the Argentinian international has lifted silverware in three consecutive seasons for academy and first team, playing a starring role for both.
His ability is mesmeric at times, and his forward-thinking intent is undeniable – similar to another teen sensation from yesteryear.
While elements of his game require fine-tuning, his growth throughout his 50 appearances in 2023-24 warmed the hearts of many of the Old Trafford faithful.
The 19-year-old sensation is going from strength to strength in Manchester Red and has proven invaluable in the early days of Erik ten Hag‘s march towards Premier League supremacy.
But, with many fearful of the prospect of a desire for continental exploration, the flamboyant winger is committed to the cause and can lead the Ineos assault into 2024-25.
From Madrid, with love
Born in Madrid on July 1, 2004, to a Spanish father and Argentine mother, his love for football was evident as a child.
Having progressed through the youth ranks of CD Avila as a boy, he would inevitably land at Getafe.
Upon his arrival, his star was evident – cementing a reputation as a technically proficient youngster with a combative personality.
His goalscoring, trickery and desire for progression led to nationwide attention, with Atletico Madrid sealing his signature in 2015.
This move marked a critical phase for the eleven-year-old, harnessing his skillset amongst the elite of Spanish football.
The attacker played a starring role in the U19s side that reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Youth League, scoring twice during a memorable 2019-20 European campaign.
His ambitious nature led to a desire for first-team progression – none of which was possible at Colchoneros. Disillusioned with his setting, the allure of a move to the Premier League arose, with United keen to steal a march on their rivals.
He sealed his arrival in the North West in October 2020 for a fee of £420,000, joining a talented academy with an array of promising figures vying for senior status.
FA Youth Cup
An undeniable confidence carried with the teen sensation, and he was far from overwhelmed by his new surroundings.
His style, charisma and desire for the spectacular were evident with his solo goal against Everton in a February installation of the FA Youth Cup.
While the senior team struggled, Garnacho’s youth side thrilled supporters and offered hope for the future.
His prowess at underage level led to a senior debut against Chelsea with a 91st-minute introduction in April.
Inevitably, alongside young stars like Kobbie Mainoo, the Argentine would lift the Youth Cup for United – a first since 2011.
His final brace against Nottingham Forest in front of a packed Old Trafford sealed the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
Emergence at the senior level
Garnacho was handed the 49 shirt ahead of the 2022-23 campaign with the promise of first-team action.
He made his first senior start in a Europa League fixture against Sheriff Tiraspol in October – earning praise from Ten Hag for his improved attitude.
The winger notched his first senior goal a month later against Real Sociedad in the same competition and his first Premier League goal in a stoppage-time winner against Fulham ten days later.
For those previously unaware, this boy had something special about him.
He made 34 appearances across all competitions – supplying 11 goal contributions.
Much to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful, the Madrid man put pen to paper on a contract extension to run until June 2028.
Present day
Twelve months on from his move to senior status, Garnacho earned the number 17 shirt previously worn by Andy Cole, Nani, Henrik Larsson and the late Liam Miller.
He enjoyed a genuine breakthrough campaign, with an assured starting birth and a key role in Ten Hag’s side.
His growth was evident early on, earning the Premier League’s Goal of the Season award with his first strike of the campaign against Everton in November.
Furthermore, he became the first teen since Michael Owen to score a brace in three separate Premier League outings – last achieved during the 1998-99 campaign.
Despite an underwhelming season, his opening goal in a 2-1 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City sealed a memorable ending.
A return of 15 goal contributions in 50 appearances was deserved, with the prospects of a youthful frontline building alongside Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo.
As we prepare for the club’s latest pre-season venture, this talented youngster has established himself as an essential cog for his side.
His willingness to comply with his manager’s instructions and desire for total involvement is admirable.
Like many flamboyant players, there are areas for development – with his decision-making often questioned and many final phase motions juvenile.
But that is an expectation for a youngster, and we have seen natural evolution over his two senior seasons.
As with the previous installations of our utdarts-inspired series, the ethos of Sir Matt Busby remains strong.
In Garnacho, Mainoo, Hojlund, Amad and Willy Kambwala, supporters have more than a hint of optimism for the future.
Viva Garnacho!
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