Lisandro Martinez has urged 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho to keep working hard after he impressed on his full Manchester United debut on Thursday.
The teenager produced some stylish pieces of play, often causing FC Sheriff defenders to back-track in the 3-0 Europa League win. He was taken off with 12 minutes to go to the sound of huge applause from the Old Trafford crowd.
The Argentine had earned five substitute appearances for the first team before the match and has been training with the senior squad. Erik ten Hag also took him on the club’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
READ MORE: Ronaldo's reaction to Alejandro Garnacho display
"I think it was a good performance from him," Ten Hag said of Garnacho's performance against Sheriff. "He did what I expected him to do. First, he deserved a chance for the last weeks.
"The start was difficult for him in the season. I was not happy with him, but in the last weeks I was happy with him, a better attitude, more resilience, more determination.
"I am happy with that, I hope for him it's a stimulant and he knows I have to do better to get into the team, to create more and don't forget you are playing in a team.”
After the game, Garnacho’s idol Cristiano Ronaldo - who scored on his return from being exiled from the squad - smiled as he embraced the youngster. The academy graduate later took to Instagram to share a photo of the moment, writing: "I don't know if it's real or if I'm dreaming.”
Fellow Argentine Martinez, who kept his seventh United clean sheet on the night, commented: “Keep working brother! Congratulations.”
Garnacho’s breakthrough in the first team comes after lifting the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford in May, when he scored twice against Nottingham Forest in the final.
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