Erik ten Hag must unleash Manchester United's biggest attacking game-changer

Around this time last year, an adolescent Alejandro Garnacho was instrumental in Manchester United's success in the FA Youth Cup. Garnacho was the poster boy of that side and he celebrated his 18th birthday shortly after lifting the trophy.

The photos of himself, beaming and draped in an Argentinian flag at Old Trafford with the Youth Cup are bound to adorn the walls of his home.

The youngster had made his first-team debut just a few weeks before winning the competition and those few weeks were dreamlike. It's therefore probably not a surprise that Garnacho believed his own hype on the subsequent pre-season tour.

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He'd gone from a relatively low-profile talent in the academy, only known by dedicated followers of the youth set-up and journalists, to going viral on social media for his Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired celebration and his unbridled confidence.

He was the only player on the tour of Thailand and Australia not to play a single minute - Tahith Chong played over him - but those concerns about his attitude have since been ironed out and he was recently rewarded with a new deal.

Garnacho has shiny new teeth, seemingly marking the start of his 'Ronaldo transformation', and he was delighted to sign an extension. It was also a proud moment for his family, who Erik ten Hag addressed at Carrington with a heartwarming speech.

“He [Garnacho] is improving and he has improved a lot," a charismatic Ten Hag said. "That is why we are now here and he deserves this, a new contract. It is deserved by his performance and he has fought his way into the team.

“So, it was a huge step and he did magnificently. Now, I hope and I think this new contract is an inspiration