Alejandro Garnacho might soon get his biggest opportunity yet at Manchester United

Saturday's trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham will evoke fond memories for Alejandro Garnacho.

It was there, on the banks of the Thames, where the Manchester United winger scored his first-ever Premier League goal. Fresh from stepping off the substitutes bench, he netted a dramatic 93rd-minute winner, ensuring the Reds signed off for the World Cup break with a bang, helping them clinch a 2-1 win.

Almost 12 months on from United's last visit to that particular corner of west London, Garnacho is still not a guaranteed starter. He has developed significantly over the past year, but he is yet to be assured of a starting berth week-in, week-out.

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He has started just seven league games for United under Erik ten Hag, two of which have only been awarded to him this season. He has also never seen any of those seven starts through to the end, being hooked on every occasion.

That could have something to do with the fact the Argentine, who recently became a father for the first time, has often struggled to influence games from the outset. Racking up 11 direct goal contributions (six goals and five assists) in United colours so far, only three of them (two goals and one assist) have come as a starter, highlighting that he has generally been better as an impact player off the bench.

Signs of that, though he's not got the statistics to show for it, have been clear so far this season, particularly in recent weeks. He contributed to the wins over Brentford and Sheffield United after stepping off the bench just past the hour-mark, and at least attempted to try and make something happen