Manchester United V Wolves: Pictures
Manchester United boosted their hopes of securing Champions League qualification with a 2-0 win over Wolves at Old Trafford on Saturday, having lost 1-0 to West Ham last time out, and there was one player Erik ten Hag was happy to single out for special treatment. At the final whistle, the United boss could be seen in conversation with Alejandro Garnacho as the pair savoured their latest victory at Old Trafford.
Goals from Anthony Martial and Garnacho fired their side to victory, and Ten Hag reserved a few minutes especially for the United starlet after the final whistle, which was spotted by fans and pundits alike as he embraced the young Argentine.
Garnacho celebrated signing a new long-term contract with the club by bagging his third Premier League goal of the season and also dedicated his goal to his girlfriend Eve Garcia, with the young couple recently announcing they are expecting their first child together.
And almost in a fatherly manner, Ten Hag put his arm around Garnacho and grinned from ear to ear as the pair chatted after the game, showing just how close their relationship has grown.
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That won’t come as a surprise to United fans, given it was Ten Hag who truly gave the 18-year-old a chance to shine at Old Trafford after he burst onto the scene last season under Ralf Rangnick. He has made 10 starts across all competitions and 30 overall, with 16 of those coming in the Premier League.
Ten Hag paid tribute to the teenage winger for his impressive cameo from the bench and credited Garnacho for showing his maturity: “Garna, we see it, the view, because he scored a great goal,” the United head coach said after the game.
“He came on and he scored a goal. He did almost everything good and that will give him belief and that is good for the rest of the season. He is back, it will give him confidence and he can have an impact.
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“One of the aspects for the biggest talent is that they are mature. First, they take responsibility and second, they are mature. To bring in the skills, they have belief that they can dominate opponents. And once again he did it.”
Ten Hag also laid down the gauntlet to the Argentinian youngster to challenge the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony for a starting role in his side after praising his “big impact” from the bench: “He had a big impact in many games either when he’s starting or coming on,” Ten Hag added.
“He’s ready, straight into the game and that is so important for the squad that you can bring young players and I’m happy you can bring young players. Hopefully, he can progress so quickly he can compete for a starting XI position because that is his next challenge.”
It means United are now level on points with Newcastle and four clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with three games remaining as the battle for a top-four finish intensifies.
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