Ronaldo to Garnacho is a glimpse of the future for Man Utd

3 Nov 2022 20:06 GMT
3 min read

Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United, 2021/22 — © ProShots

As Cristiano Ronaldo assisted Alejandro Garnacho for the Manchester United youngster’s first senior goal, the display could be seen as a poetic metaphor for a passing of the torch from past to future at Old Trafford.

Garnacho’s first-half strike proved to be the winner as United beat Europa League group winners Real Sociedad in Spain to extend their run of nine games unbeaten in all competitions.

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The 18-year-old has been considered one of United’s brightest prospects since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and appears to finally be earning the trust of Erik ten Hag.

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Garnacho was not even born when Ronaldo won his first trophy for United in May 2004 but the teenager emulated his celebration to round off a smart finish after being put through by the 37-year-old.

Ten Hag admitted he was ‘not happy’ with Garnacho when he first arrived at the club but credited the winger for improving his attitude and taking his chance following his first senior start against Sheriff in October.

With Ronaldo entering his final days at Old Trafford, United may be looking at Garnacho with a sense of deja vu and belief that the Portuguese legend’s successor is blossoming in front of their own eyes.

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Out with the old, in with the new

While United have been in good form since their humiliating loss to rivals Manchester City at the start of October, they have yet to see true consistency from their attackers, with Ten Hag rotating his front three in virtually every match.

Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a resurgence to form after a torrid campaign last year, while €100 million signing Antony has impressed in patches out on the wing.

The odd man out appears to be Jadon Sancho, who has failed to appear in United’s last three games and may see even less playtime with the return of Anthony Martial from injury.

Sancho’s loss could be Garnacho’s gain, while the Argentine international’s emergence onto the scene may also prove to be the final nail in Ronaldo’s future at United.

Ronaldo may look to depart in January but he has helped unearth a spectacular parting gift in helping mould Garnacho as his long-term successor and giving United fans another generation of quality in abundance.