Manchester United know more than most the value of youth.
The Reds have a long tradition of trusting youngsters and reaping the rewards. Whether it's the Busby Babes or the Class of '92, there is a rich history at Old Trafford of Academy assets becoming future stars.
And while Alejandro Garnacho was born in Madrid and not Manchester, he's spent the past two seasons honing his skills and developing into a player Erik ten Hag can call upon. The winger enjoyed a fine season, during which he scored three times and showed plenty of potential.
His performances earned him a new deal earlier this year and he's set to play a wider role for United next season. This summer will see him earn his first international cap for World Cup winners Argentina and there is an air of expectancy around Old Trafford at the role the winger can play in the coming years.
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He's certainly not short of confidence, the bleached hair offering the air of a man capable of being centre stage. He may only be 21 appearances into his Reds career but he gives the United faithful just what they want to see in a winger - trickery, an off-the-cuff style, skill, directness and the X Factor that gets supporters off their seats.
He came off the bench in the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City having been an unused sub in the Carabao Cup success against Newcastle United in February. Garnacho was visibly upset after the Wembley defeat to City, and made it clear earlier this term that he and United want more than just a League Cup to show for their efforts.
"I’m very ambitious and will not settle for having won one trophy," he said.
It's the confidence that has helped him settle into the first team and look at home, even if it was misplaced last summer when he was late to two team meetings on the pre-season trip to Thailand and Australia, meaning he didn't play at all on the four-match tour.
But he's now settled into the expectations Ten Hag demands and has improved his attitude, with his family now living in England. He's earning the trust of Ten Hag and his performances arguably befit more regular game time.
Indeed, in a season where United lacked goals and often creativity, the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony, who both had mixed seasons, can look at Garnacho as an example to follow. The teenager is productive and consistent, perhaps helped by the freeness of youth.
But he's often outshining two £80m international stars and could run both close to starting spots in 2023-24. You'll never win anything with kids? No-one's told Garnacho that.
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