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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Samuel Luckhurst

Erik ten Hag explains how Alejandro Garnacho has given Manchester United a new solution

Erik ten Hag believes Alejandro Garnacho is developing into a "reliable" attacker for Manchester United.

A week on from his enterprising full debut against FC Sheriff, Garnacho was recalled to the starting XI and scored his first career goal in the 1-0 Europa League win against Real Sociedad.

Ten Hag revealed last week Garnacho's poor attitude had delayed his first appearance in pre-season, when he travelled with United on their tour of Thailand and Australia but never played.

READ MORE: United player ratings vs Real Sociedad

The 18-year-old cameoed three times this season before he started against Sheriff and Garnacho was also sent back down to the Under-21s to play in EFL Trophy games against Carlisle and Barrow.

With Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Antony all absent through illness and injury, Garnacho excelled from the left wing to score the only goal in San Sebastian.

"We are of course, disappointed we didn't succeed by scoring with a two-goal difference," Ten Hag said. "But we win, a clean sheet, a positive we have extra options in the frontline with Garnacho.

"He's developing very well. I hope he can keep that attitude like now. When he is reliable, you see he is a threat, he can create, he can give final passes and he can score goals, so it's a good process."

Ten Hag appeared to be unhappy with the officials on a number of occasions in the second-half but was magnanimous at his post-match press conference.

"The (Sociedad) fans did everything in the environment to get the tempo out of the game and they've succeeded with it by only losing 1-0.

"I congratulate them on the victory. We are united, we are always disappointed when we are not number one but we have some positives to take to Manchester."

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