Alejandro Garnacho has made Manchester United statement that Erik ten Hag cannot ignore

Manchester United emerged to warm up ahead of their final pre-season match against Rayo Vallecano to loud applause. Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club but he applauded the Stretford End, who applauded back and eventually sang his name.

Ronaldo's return against Rayo Vallecano was the story of the weekend at Old Trafford, but the game was an opportunity for the club's youngsters and fringe players to make their mark. Alejandro Garnacho has been desperate for such a chance this summer. Garnacho was on United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia but he didn't make a single appearance across those four games.

Erik ten Hag has had limited time to prepare for the new season and he's preferred to name strong starting line ups, with a view to preparing for the new season. That approach has been understandable but it's restricted minutes for some youngsters.

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Although Garnacho only celebrated his 18th birthday at the start of last month, he was the name supporters were most excited about towards the end of the season. The success of United's academy was a much-needed distraction in a disaster campaign.

Garnacho started against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and it was the first glimpse supporters have had of the Argentina international since he played in the FA Youth Cup final in May. Garnacho played like Old Trafford was his backyard with endearing naivety that night.

He also paid tribute to Ronaldo in that final by copying his trademark celebration. Garnacho has already trained with Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in his short career and he couldn't be receiving a better education than what he's currently getting at United.

There was a strong crowd at Old Trafford for