Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho put in an impressive performance on Wednesday as the club sealed a 3-1 win over West Ham United in the FA Cup fifth round.
United boss Erik ten Hag decided to make six changes to the starting line-up against the Hammers and this obviously hampered their performance during the opening half.
David de Gea was vigilant between the sticks with a superb save to deny Michail Antonio but the visitors eventually broke the deadlock through Said Benrahma in the 54th minute.
De Gea came up with another key save when United were trailing 1-0 and this paved the way for United’s comeback during the final 20 minutes of the FA Cup contest.
A Nayef Aguerd own goal put United level and right before stoppage time, Garnacho bagged the crucial winner with a curling shot beyond goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Fred put the game to bed with United’s third goal in the 95th minute.
Garnacho sparkles in United’s comeback win
The Argentine was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup final last weekend but he got the nod in the starting line-up yesterday with Marcus Rashford getting a breather.
Garnacho did lose possession on multiple occasions in the game, but he remained a constant threat from the left flank with his impressive dribbling and direct running.
Over 94 minutes, the youngster had 69 touches while winning a stunning 11 duels and six take-ons. His hard work eventually paid off with the match-winner for United.
The ball fell onto Garnacho’s feet after Areola’s initial save to deny Wout Weghorst. The teenager showed terrific composure to curl a low effort into the far post.
Garnacho now has nine goal contributions from just over 1,000 minutes of first-team football. With the right guidance, he has the potential to become world-class.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Sofascore.com
