Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag can honour his vow to Alejandro Garnacho vs Real Sociedad

Alejandro Garnacho was not the best player on the pitch when Manchester United played Nottingham Forest in the FA Youth Cup last season, but the youngster scored two goals in that final at Old Trafford and that meant he naturally dominated headlines.

Garnacho reproduced Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark celebration in tribute to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ronaldo took to social media last month to anoint himself 'the king'. George Best was the first king of Old Trafford and others have ascended the throne since. Eric Cantona and Ronaldo are among the few who have risen to power.

The Youth Cup is the pinnacle of academy football and the 18-year-old delivered on the biggest stage by contributing an impressive seven goals and three assists in the Reds' run to glory. Garnacho was also named United’s Uunder-18 Player of the Year.

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The ability to thrive under pressure is a hallmark of kings and Garnacho grew in stature performing in front of 67,00 supporters at Old Trafford in the final of the Youth Cup. He proved that was no fluke when playing at Old Trafford again in pre-season against Rayo Vallecano.

Garnacho was expected to feature in pre-season but he did not play a single minute on United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. Tahith Chong was given 68 minutes on that tour in comparison and he left the club permanently last week.

Ten Hag said: "I have been getting to know some of our promising young players over the summer, so I will say now, for the record, that if players have the right ability and attitude, they will get their chance, regardless of their age or reputation.”

It was hard not to disagree with the decision to play Chong when