Rooney all praise for ‘special’ Garnacho
was recently described as a “special talent” by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney and is making the Red Devils’ rivals look silly after being picked up for an initial fee of just £150,000 (RM750,000).
The Argentine enjoyed a breakthrough season last year and has now cemented himself as a regular under Erik ten Hag on the right flank.
Garnacho was brought in from Atletico Madrid in 2020 partially thanks to intervention from rivals Manchester City.
The Athletic claim that Pep Guardiola’s side poached so many of United’s academy stars that they looked abroad to bring in additional talent, when they were alerted to an unhappy Garnacho in Spain.
United scout Gerardo Guzman worked closely with Garnacho during a strict Covid lockdown in Madrid, where he was impressed with the young winger’s work-rate.
He had interest from fellow Spanish clubs, but United were the only Premier League team taking a look at Garnacho.
Able to prise him away for a nominal fee, Garnacho has gone from strength to strength at Old Trafford.
He has seen big-money signings arrive in his position, but batted away competition from the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho and underlined his importance in the recent 2-0 win over Everton.
Garnacho was once again United’s biggest threat against Sean Dyche’s Toffees, having won both penalties which were converted by Bruno Fernandes and then Marcus Rashford.
Aside from his supreme dribbling abilities, the 19-year-old made the difference with his off-the-ball runs, a facet of his game that has improved demonstrably.
He is one of the first names on the teamsheet now and may have gone some way to convincing new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe that another marquee winger is not required in the summer.
“Rashford is a matchwinner, Bruno always comes up with something. And Garnacho, as we saw, created the two goals,” Rooney told TNT Sports after United’s win over Everton. “With young players, that is what you find.
“He’s direct. Garnacho was the one who was going to make things happen. He was certainly the best player on the pitch. His work-rate off the ball as well is fantastic.
“He is going to make mistakes, he’s still learning. But he has got that drive and hunger which any fan wants to see.
“I’ve been really pleased with him, and I think he will be a special talent going forward. He has probably been Man United’s best player this season.” – Express Newspapers