Manchester United produced one of their worst performances of the season in the first-half of their Premier League clash against Everton last Saturday.
Ruben Amorim subbed off Casemiro in the 62nd minute, after another ineffective display in the middle of the park, and brought on Alejandro Garnacho who made an immediate impact.
The Argentine, true to his nature, went straight for the jugular as soon as he entered the field of the play and he won the free-kick that Bruno Fernandes dispatched to reduce the deficit.
Unlike what his teammates had served up for the opening 70 minutes, the United No 17 was not afraid to take on his man and he completed a 100 percent of his dribbles as well as ended the game with a 100 percent passing accuracy.
Garnacho made an impact off the bench
While his finishing has let him down at times recently, the 20-year-old remains the bravest attacker at Amorim’s disposal. Even if he misses a chance, he does not let it affect him and he keeps trying to carve out the next chance.
While his impact as a substitute cannot be denied, club legend Rio Ferdinand called for Amorim to reinstate him in the starting line-up for the next game against Ipswich Town.
“You can talk about quality, but at least he’s getting in there. At least he’s got the balls to get in the box and create havoc,” the former defender said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
Rio wants him to start games
“It’s not something scientific, there’s no science behind it, the more times you get in the box the more opportunities you’ve got to score goals. He has to play, for me.”
Since talks of a surprise exit started in January, there have been doubts regarding his place in Amorim’s long-term plans but the Argentina international has heeded his coach’s advice and worked a lot harder both with and without the ball.
Which is why the coach batted for his stay at the club despite INEOS being open to his departure as they sought pure profit to balance the books.
Garnacho now must work with the coaches on improving his finishing, the only aspect which is missing in his game. His last goal for the Red Devils came back in November 28.
Amorim, who is already without Amad, needs the Carrington graduate to start firing. With Rasmus Hojlund continuing to disappoint and Joshua Zirkzee not a natural No 9, the onus is on Garnacho to change the course of games both as a starter and off the bench.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
