In Manchester United's final game before the World Cup, Alejandro Garnacho announced himself to the fans with a bang.
After coming on as a substitute, he broke into the box against Fulham and scored United's winner. This wasn't his first goal as the young Argentinian winger had scored against Real Sociedad a few weeks earlier, but due to the timing, this strike had much more of an impact.
Garnacho was not called up for the World Cup with Argentina, meaning he missed out on a winner's medal unlike his teammate Lisandro Martinez, but it does mean that he had time to work with Erik ten Hag during the break and is in contention to start against Burnley in the League Cup.
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With United needing options going forward after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, a strong showing against a Burnley side that has come on leaps and bounds under Vincent Kompany could help Garnacho cement his place in Ten Hag's thinking going forward.
This will be helped by the fact that Jadon Sancho, one of the 18-year-old's main competitors for the role, has been off doing individual training for the past few weeks and as the saying goes, out of sight is out of mind.
Garnacho's talent is undeniable, but he can't afford to become a victim of circumstance. Marcus Rashford will likely come back into the fold in the near future after returning from the World Cup and reports have linked United with a move for PSV forward Cody Gakpo.
Though some have stated that Gakpo could be used as a striker, the Dutchman's skillset is better suited to the wing, and given he is right-footed, he is more naturally suited to the left-hand side. This would put him in direct competition with Garnacho but with the money involved to potentially bring Gakpo to Old Trafford, the youngster would likely have to make way.
Garnacho is still young and he doesn't need to play every single week but United must be careful that they don't add too many roadblocks in his way.
With several teams circling, United can't afford to marginalise the player as he could look for opportunities elsewhere. So far however, Ten Hag has managed his development perfectly and probably will continue for the rest of the season.
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