Rasmus Hojlund has been one of Manchester United’s few bright spots in a difficult first two weeks of the season. And Alejandro Garnacho, who reportedly held out for the transfer in the summer, will be just as happy with the 20-year-old attacker as the United supporters.
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Hojlund moved from Atalanta for £72 million, although he didn’t make his debut until the 3-1 loss to Arsenal earlier this month due to a minor back issue.
He made an impression during his brief appearance at the Emirates Stadium, contributing significantly to the action that resulted in what Garnacho thought was a late winner until VAR disallowed the visitors.
The new United No. 11 started his first game at Old Trafford against Brighton and Hove Albion and scored before VAR again disallowed the goal.
Erik ten Hag sorely needed an attacking focal point in his first season in charge, but he scored again at Bayern Munich on his Champions League debut in midweek.
Garnacho will be happy that United’s wingers now have a 6′ 3″ target to shoot at while cutting inside to take a shot.
At United’s preseason headquarters in San Diego, the 19-year-old reportedly expressed to teammates his wish for the club to pursue a striker who could attack crosses.
Garnacho began the first two games of the season for United against Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur, but since then, he has only been able to play as a substitute three times.
Only 14 minutes of the Argentina international’s time against Arsenal was spent collaborating with Hojlund.
However, the young players have been seen developing a close bond on the practise pitch, which might blossom into a lethal alliance in the years to come.
Hojlund’s presence on the team allows Marcus Rashford to play on the left flank position that he prefers, as well as the No. 17, which has perhaps indirectly reduced Garnacho’s playing time this season.
By that moment, there really shouldn’t have been any hope left. Within 14 minutes, City had effectively clinched the next three points. After seven minutes, Foden scored in front of Gareth Southgate, demonstrating once again how skilled he is in the centre of the field. Soon after, Erling Haaland scored. Haaland, who now has eight goals for the season, was too strong for Matt Turner, who was able to head a Matheus Nunes cross back to its original location while gliding between defenders.
Although he skied over from 10 yards later as the hosts broke quickly, it appeared like the Norwegian’s string of wasted opportunities was finally coming to an end at that point. That would have effectively won the match.
United has serious problems on the right. Ten Hag has not lifted the ban on Jadon Sancho, and Antony is on leave while he responds to claims of abuse in Brazil, which he vehemently rejects.
Ten Hag, however, may not see Garnacho as a right winger because he used a small diamond formation against Brighton in a 3-1 loss and started Facundo Pellistri for the second time against Bayern in a 4-3 setback.
Due to Pellistri’s dismal performance at the Allianz Arena, Garnacho may be given the opportunity to play against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday night. Hojlund is also likely to play in that game.
