Erik ten haag
Erik ten Hag believes it could be beneficial for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho not to go to the World Cup Garnacho, 18, came on in the second-half of United’s 4-2 League Cup win over Aston Villa with United 2-1 down but provided assists for Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay to turn the game around. The winger made his full United debut last month and scored his first goal for the club against Real Sociedad last week, three days before a first Premier League start at Aston Villa. Garnacho was called up to the Argentina squad for the first time in March as he switched his allegiance from Spain but he is yet to return to the senior squad.
Erik ten Hag said: “It’s difficult to say. I don’t know all the available Argentina players, of course I know a lot of players from Argentina, what is available for them from 26. And the other thing is it’s a big step to go to a World Cup, where the best players in the world come together, it’s a big step. I don’t know if that’s the right step for him. I think he has to keep his head clean, stay calm, work hard and develop, I think go from game to game.”
Ten Hag was effusive about Garnacho’s impact but stressed it was possible for him to improve on elements of his game if he is to establish himself as a regular for United.
Erik ten Hag added: “I think it was good that also when he came on that he showed performance that he has an impact in the game. Quite clear, with two assists, some good dribbles, runs behind, but also some things he has to improve. For instance, when we go for the long ball, don’t go for the header with Scott McTominay, go for the second ball. So he still has things to learn but it’s quite obvious we are really happy with his development, with his performance tonight and he can contribute to this team. Can he have a regular role? Depends on how his approach, how his attitude, when he keeps working, keeps this attitude, then it’s possible. That he keeps the attitude he wants to improve every day and he’s doing the right things in his lifestyle, then it’s possible. As you can see, he has capabilities that contribute to attacking football, he has something he can break open a really compact defending line. I think all teams who want to attack want to play in an opponent’s half, they need players like them, he can outplay them. And also, in the final decisions, he can do the right things. Once again, it depends on how his attitude, can he also do the defending stuff, the discipline, when he can do that, it’s possible.”
