Alejandro Garnacho scored an eye-catching goal to help seal a significant two-goal victory for Manchester United at Leeds on Sunday – and made his feelings clear with his celebration.
Erik ten Hag’s side had produced an underwhelming performance at Elland Road with the match scoreless with ten minutes remaining and United struggling to click in attack. But the United boss made second half substitutions, including the introduction of Garnacho, helped change the tide.
Marcus Rashford headed home the opening goal from a pinpoint Luke Shaw cross in the 80 th minute before Garnacho produced a superb run and finish five minutes later, after Wout Weghorst – who had dropped deeper – provided the assist.
Having been frustrated for the majority of the match, the visitors began to run riot with Rashford putting the ball in the net again but it was ruled out for a marginal offside call and Weghorst also provided a close-range finish, yet it was determined the ball came from Harry Maguire rather than a Leeds defender.
Garnacho celebrated his goal, which put the game beyond the reach of Leeds, by shushing the home fans after coming in for some criticism. The wide-forward had been frustrated by Leeds just four days previously, as he was substituted after an hour before Ten Hag’s side came from two goals down to rescue a point.
The Argentine’s contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in the summer of 2024 and with his deal now into the final 18 months, it is at a crucial point. It is understood that United are lodged in negotiations to renew the forward’s contract and while there has yet to be a breakthrough – there is positivity on both sides.
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Garnacho has exploded onto the scene at Old Trafford this season after integrating quickly into the first-team squad, having joined United in the summer of 2020 from Atletico Madrid and starring at youth-team level. His strike at Elland Road was his fourth goal of the campaign for the club.
His directness, agility, skill and finishing ability make him a huge prospect that has been slowly given increasing minutes by Ten Hag this season at United. The exit of Cristiano Ronaldo and injury problems for Anthony Martial have left the club light in attacking options – allowing Garnacho to seize his chance.
