‘A real shining light’: Utd legends hail ‘phenomenal’ Red who’ll play a ‘massive part’ in the club’s future

As Manchester United fans and players await the impending arrival of Ruben Amorim, two ex-Reds have hailed one member of the squad who’s certain to play an integral role in the new head coach’s plans.

He may have Erik ten Hag to thank for it, too, as the Dutchman was the one who decided to promote Alejandro Garnacho into the first team back in 2022/2023, which led to him cementing his place in the starting 11.

That being said, more rotation with the youngster is perhaps needed when Amorim officially takes the reins. Garnacho – even amidst United’s turbulent start – has enjoyed a prolific beginning to the term by scoring six goals and assisting a further four in 16 appearances across all competitions.

However, he did come under fire for his lacklustre showing during last night’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea after proving too wasteful and slightly selfish. You have to question whether the fact he’s played six full 90s in his last seven matches has anything to do with his subpar return.

‘Phenomenal’ Garnacho is just getting started, says former Red

The Reds’ 2-1 defeat to West Ham on October 27 became a notable game for a number of reasons, not least because it would become the final nail in the coffin for INEOS chiefs, who decided to part ways with Ten Hag the subsequent morning.

It also marked Garnacho’s 100th senior appearance for the club, over two years on from when he replaced fellow Carrington graduate Anthony Elanga to make his maiden outing at home to Chelsea.

The following term is when he really stepped up a gear, being granted 34 outings in all competitions and returning 10 goal contributions. He made only 11 starts in total, which increased to a whopping 41 in 2023/2024, showcasing just how highly Ten Hag thought of the young livewire.

Given that the 20-year-old cost only £420,000 when he signed from Atletico Madrid’s academy in October 2020, it’s safe to say he’s proven to be a tremendous investment by club scouts – and two MUTV pundits – and United legends – echoed such a sentiment last night.

When analysing the draw with the Blues, David May highlighted the fact that Garnacho has now surpassed 100 appearances, telling the panel: “It is phenomenal, considering his age.”

“He has an abundance of pace, and he will score goals. If he gets kicked, he will run at them again. He will always give 100 per cent. He’s a massive part of this club going forward.”

John O’Shea chimed in: “He’s an outstanding talent. The goals he’s got, he’s stepped up to the plate when the team has really needed him. He does get smashed, he is willing to stand up to it, and he’s been a real shining light.”