Jonny Evans names ‘big change' he has seen in Alejandro Garnacho at Manchester United this season

Jonny Evans says Alejandro Garnacho has grown in maturity as the season has progressed and has credited him for cementing his place in the Manchester United starting XI.

Garnacho is now a regular in Erik ten Hag’s line-up having started every Premier League game since the start of November, a run of nine matches. Ten Hag had tasked Garnacho with breaking into the XI when the 19-year-old penned a new long-term deal in April.

The poor form of Marcus Rashford and Antony has allowed him to make his mark and, for the large part, has not disappointed. Evans only met Garnacho upon his unexpected summer arrival but said he had been following the progress of the teenager last season.

READ MORE: United youngster set for new contract after impressing Ten Hag

READ MORE: Garnacho is doing what Ronaldo didn't do at United

Speaking to Sky Sports, Evans said of Garnacho: “I think he’s already shown his quality. He’s such a danger. Watching last year from afar I always thought he was a player that could come on and make an impact from the bench and I think over the last couple of months he’s shown that he’s ready to start.

“He’s made that step up. Even from the start of the season, I can see a big change in his maturity. He looks like he believes he should be starting in the team. He’s spoke before about the fact Cristiano Ronaldo is his idol and he models his game on him.

“I think when you’re a winger and you're playing for Man United, the way he’s playing especially with his speed and trickery, he’s always going to have that comparison but I’m sure he’s got different qualities he will want to show himself.”

Garnacho scored a brace in Boxing Day’s 3-2 comeback win against Aston Villa, a match that also saw Rasmus Hojlund break his