‘He has something about him’: Former United captain raves over star who ‘can only get better’

Former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce has had his say on the latest affairs surrounding young talent Alejandro Garnacho.

The 19-year-old is enjoying his most prolific campaign since being promoted to the senior squad last season and is now, remarkably, a mainstay in the line-up; he’s on the back of a 30th consecutive start in all competitions, therefore keeping senior counterpart Antony – an £86 million acquisition – on the bench.

He’s returned his manager’s faith by scoring nine times and assisting a further four goals. Aside from Garnacho’s contributions, his work ethic and resilience from minute one through to 90 is highly commendable. It’s clear he’s one that plays for the badge.

However, the situation turned somewhat sour following last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. The Argentine was substituted at the interval in place of Amad Diallo, and when Ten Hag was pressed on his decision after the full-time whistle, he told reporters: “I think we had to repair over the right side. We didn’t play well, the spaces were there. In possession, we had to bring a sub there. 

“Garnacho was during the week not training. Only yesterday. We thought bring some energy and bring some more quality, quality in the sense of cooperation and togetherness on that right-hand side.”

Garnacho didn’t take too kindly to his manager’s criticism – if you can call it that. He liked two tweets from a YouTuber that were highly critical of Ten Hag, before later unliking them.

Bruce gives his verdict

Bruce weighed in on the incident, sharing that he thought the boss’ comments were ‘a bit unfair’. 

He added (on talkSPORT): “If he’d said it was a tactical change… I think what he did say is that ‘We had to have a bit more defensive work on the right-hand side’. Hence, that’s why he took Garnacho off.

“You have to deal with likes and Tweets and all this nonsense. But that’s the job, that’s what it entails.”

Any ill-feeling has since been put to bed between the pair, as Manchester Evening News confirmed on Monday that Garnacho had been ‘dealt with’ internally by the club.

“There is no doubt at all, Garnacho, in his first real season, has been a plus point for Man United,” Bruce continued, lauding the Carrington graduate. “The kid is only 19 years old. He looks like he has something about him. Going forward, he can only get better.

“[Playing for United] means something to him. So he’s not going to be happy being pulled off at half-time. But he’ll learn from that, that’s for sure.”