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Premier League | Gameweek 28

Mar 9, 2024 at 12.30pm UK

Old Trafford

Man Utd
2 - 0
Everton

Fernandes (12' pen.), Rashford (36' pen.)
McTominay (69')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Onana (27'), Doucoure (34')

Erik ten Hag praises "brave" Alejandro Garnacho, talks up his "high potential"

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 09 March 2024

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag lauds the bravery and confidence of Alejandro Garnacho following his standout performance in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton, and believes the teenager has the attributes to fulfil his "high potential".

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised the bravery and confidence of Alejandro Garnacho following his standout performance in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton, and believes that the teenager has the attributes to fulfil his "high potential".

The 19-year-old has developed into one of Ten Hag's most reliable and threatening attackers this season, and played a crucial role in the Red Devils claiming three important Premier League points against the Toffees.

On his 25th consecutive start across all tournaments, Garnacho won two first-half penalties for United, with Bruno Fernandes slotting home the first before handing over spot-kick duties to Marcus Rashford, who sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way with a clinical strike.

Man United showed their resilience at the back against a wasteful Everton side, who failed to convert any of their 26 attempts on goal, and they eventually held on to secure their 15th top-flight win of the campaign.

Garnacho, who received the Man of the Match award for his electric display at Old Trafford, has contributed with seven goals and five assists in 37 games so far this season, and Ten Hag believes that the young winger can continue to improve if he puts his mind to it.

"I think he can [continue to improve] and it's about him, if he can keep the focus and puts the right effort in the game, but also during the week, if he keeps that focus", Ten Hag said at his post-match press conference.

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring their second goal with Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo on February 4, 2024 © Reuters

"Sometimes for young players it's difficult, sometimes they are inexperienced, the coaching staff have a job to do. He is able to when he keeps this focus, this attitude, he will improve from game to game, that is what we see in this moment.

"With young players you always have to tell [them]. We have to work very good in the training sessions, in meetings, we have to be spot on to get the performance in the weekend."

Ten Hag added: "I love to work with him, but also many other players in the squad and challenge them. He's a player who likes a challenge, he's very brave, very confident.

"Our job is to push him to high levels, he's got high potential, now we have to get the potential out, therefore you have to work day by day.

"When you are young you don't know what it is to play in a highly competitive league. You need that experience, you don't know you have to perform in every training session if you want to get better. There are so many areas to improve their game, you need a lot of skills."

After losing back-to-back league games against Fulham and Manchester City, victory over Everton has seen sixth-placed Man United move to within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham, who have two games in hand and face fourth-placed Aston Villa on Sunday.

Garnacho will be hoping to continue his fine form when the Red Devils welcome rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford for an FA Cup quarter-final tie on March 17.