Alejandro Garnacho learning stark lesson as he faces Manchester United challenge

Alejandro Garnacho was a shining light in what was a somewhat inconsistent end to last season for Manchester United, but the star has really struggled to replicate his brilliance at the start of the new season.

He introduced himself during United’s success in the FA Youth Cup in May 2022, where the Argentine scored twice in the 3-1 final win over Nottingham Forest in front of over 60,000 people at Old Trafford.

The following season under Erik ten Hag’s tutelage, Garnacho made his big breakthrough. The talented winger made 34 appearances for United, scoring five goals and assisting a further five - ending the season as one of the Reds’ standout players and even winning the club’s Player of the Month award for November.

It came as no surprise that the manager put his trust in the Argentine at the start of this new campaign, with the winger starting both of United’s opening Premier League fixtures. However, he has failed to impress to the same degree as last season, especially in the fixture against Wolves, where Nelson Semedo rendered the winger ineffective over his 68 minutes on the pitch.

ALSO READ: Hojlund needs two teammates to help him become United success

Against Tottenham, the 19-year-old winger showed some signs of improvement and was unlucky not to win a penalty for his side following what seemed a clear handball by Cristian Romero. However, he only completed 56 per cent of his 16 passes and created only one chance, finishing the game with an xG of 0.21 according to FOTMOB.

This drop in his performance level could simply be the result of United’s poor performances in general, but there are some specific points that should be addressed by way of some explanation in Ten Hag’s team selection against Wolves.

Garna