Garnacho matches EtH demand after brother reveals private sacrifice
ALEJANDRO Garnacho’s brother has revealed that the forward was ruled out of training with injury before playing a key role in Manchester United’s win vs Liverpool.
The Argentine youngster proved pivotal to the Red Devils’ dramatic FA Cup success.
Garnacho (19) led a break in the closing moments of extra-time and teedup Amad Diallo for Manchester United’s winning goal.
The goal triggered wild scenes at Old Trafford, and saw the hosts tee-up a semi-final showdown with Championship side Coventry City at Wembley.
But while Garnacho was crucial to the win, he might not have been on the pitch at all.
His brother Roberto has revealed that he missed a number of training sessions over the past week, but still ignored his injury issues to play.
Taking to Twitter, he said: “Garnacho has trained two days this week due to a hamstring injury. Still he is there running 120 minutes and giving the winning assist. I’m proud of you BIG BRO.”
Garnacho’s commitment to the Manchester United cause appears to be a huge U-turn after his early season form.
Speaking earlier this season, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag revealed that there had been some concerns with the youngster’s attitude.
“There were some issues (with his attitude), but young players have to learn what is needed for the lifestyle of a professional footballer,” he said in December.
“Our assessment at the start of the season was that we wanted to bring him in and wanted to give him the time to deliver what he’s doing at the moment.
“There’s big potential and a lot he can build on, but we are happy with his performances and his contribution. The base, the foundation is always the defending part, but now also attackingwise he has the key actions — the assists, the goal threat, he scores goals, so that’s, of course, very important for an offensive player.”
Garnacho’s assist against Liverpool took his total contributions this season to 11 in all competitions — seven goals and four assists.
He has already surpassed last season’s total having scored five goals and registered as many assists.
The three-time Argentine international did not hide his delight in the aftermath of Manchester United’s win.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “I love this football club”, as well as “I love my boys.”
Garnacho also gave praise to Antony — whose 87th minute strike took the game into extra time.
He wrote: “You deserved this and more!”
He will now be aiming to keep up his positive form over the international break.
He has been named in the Argentina squad for upcoming friendlies against El Salvador and Costa Rica.
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