Alejandro Garnacho has proven Ralf Rangnick Manchester United assessment right

For a player who has started just two games so far this season, Alejandro Garnacho's attacking output already makes for very good reading.

The winger netted a brace in Tuesday night's 7-0 win over Barnsley, helping Manchester United cruise into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. His two goals saw him double his tally for the season while the Argentine, 20, also helped himself to two assists, creating both of Marcus Rashford's efforts.

Having started just two of United's opening six games this season, the fact he has already chalked up seven direct goal contributions (goals and assists) highlights just how talented and special a player he is. With the exception of the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool prior to the international break, he has been a threat in every game so far this season.

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After an impressive breakthrough campaign in 2022/23, he established himself as a more regular starter last season, answering Erik ten Hag's demand of impacting games from the start as often has he had via the substitutes bench the season prior.

This season, albeit after just six games, Garnacho is starting to fully establish himself as one of United's very best and most important players. His sharp rise should come as no surprise. He was the star attraction of the Under-18s' FA Youth Cup-winning campaign in 2022, scoring seven goals in six games, and was handed his first-team debut prior to the final, stepping off the bench against Chelsea.

It was Ralf Rangnick that gave Garnacho his first taste of senior football, aged only 17. Rangnick was