Alejandro Garnacho is offering solution for Anthony Martial injury problem at Manchester United

Manchester United forced stand-in Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin into just two saves in the second half of Thursday morning’s 2-0 friendly loss.

One came following a driving run from Scott McTominay, while the other saw Alejandro Garnacho sting the shot-stopper’s palms. The Argentine was United’s main threat against Los Blancos.

Having come through the ranks at Atletico Madrid, maybe he wanted to prove a point against their cross city-rivals. He was the live wire that spun the heads of firstly Dani Carvajal and then Nacho in his hour-long stint.

Garnacho’s trajectory since his full debut last year has hardly wavered. So good has his rise been that United considered handing him the No.7 shirt, before deciding to give the honour to new arrival Mason Mount instead.

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It was a sensible move not to place too much pressure on the 19-year-old, who ended last season with five goals and assists apiece. He has donned his usual No.49 shirt in pre-season but good luck trying to buy his name and number in the online club shop. The unavailability of the option indicates a new number is on the horizon as he climbs the ladder of seniority.

Garnacho has been told by Erik ten Hag that his next mission is to fight for a starting spot. He began just 11 of his 34 appearances last term, the winger being most effective when running at tired legs. His outfoxing of both Madrid right-backs showed he has the ability to beat experience with agility from the start at the very least.

He also managed to find joy against the pacey Kyle Walker when he came