Tom Heaton has labelled Alejandro Garnacho's display against Rayo Vallecano as 'outstanding.'
Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw with Spanish outfit Vallecano on Sunday afternoon in their final friendly before the Premier League kicks off next weekend with the visit of Brighton. Though Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action and there were starts for new signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, it was a largely second-string side.
The 11 players who started Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid were not involved at all which left plenty of room for Erik ten Hag to give chances to several youngsters. Ethan Laird, James Garner and Zidane Iqbal all gave good accounts but Garnacho was the stand-out performer.
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The thrilling winger was raising the noise in Old Trafford whenever he got on the ball thanks to his direct running, mesmerising tricks and ability to create chances. If it wasn't for Tahith Chong's wayward finishing he would have had a couple of assists to his name.
Garnacho remains raw having only just turned 18 but his talent is clear to see and he certainly wouldn't have done his chances of being involved in Ten Hag's first team this season any harm. Heaton was pleased to see so many youngsters take their chance but was most impressed by the Argentine.
"Yes I think so, plenty of opportunities today" he replied when asked by MUTV if fans should be excited about the quality of talent coming through the academy. "I think when you get an opportunity at the club, especially in pre-season, you want to impress.
"I'm sure some of those boys will filter out on loan to go and continue their development but the opportunities there to impress and try and take it. This club has been built on the fact that young players, if you're good enough and you're doing it on the grass you will get the opportunity.
"I think today there was a few really good performances. I thought Garnacho was outstanding down the left-hand side. So yeah, good for him to get a good run-out, I'm sure the manager is impressed with him among others, there were plenty of good performances but it's just taking the opportunity when it comes for the young lads."
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