Alejandro Garnacho makes another appearance as a substitute and makes another contribution.
Football appears to have moved past the era of the super sub. Top athletes are so dedicated to playing every minute that being named to the bench is more frequently perceived as an insult than as a tactical move.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once received pity from Sir Alex Ferguson, who couldn’t start him in a game despite his merits because he was so skilled at doing damage after coming off the bench. “Whenever I feel bad about the teams I choose, it always centers around him. He merits much better, in fact. The great manager remarked after Solskjaer had scored four goals after being introduced in the illustrious 8-1 victory over Nottingham Forest that he was the best replacement at the club.
So there shouldn’t be any guilt in filling in. It’s a wise move to reserve a lethal weapon so it may be used when it’s most needed. a powerful one when applied properly. Garnacho is a bit of a throwback in a world where super subs are getting harder and harder to find.
The prodigy has played for United in close to 50 games and is still only 19 years old. It comes as no surprise that Garnacho is already a popular fan favorite since a young, energetic winger from the academy is always going to spark excitement. Even though he didn’t get the No. 7 in the summer, the No. 17 is still a big improvement and shows how firmly he has cemented his place in the senior class.
Erik ten Hag has largely replaced garnacho with it. Only 14 of the Argentinean’s 46 overall appearances have come from the start, and he has only started three games so far this season. Why is clear to see.
Every time Garnacho comes off the bench, United’s offense gains more vigor and depth thanks to his directness and cunning. He can have the biggest impact if you take him off the bench. With 26 minutes left in the 2-1 victory over Sheffield United, Garnacho’s entry helped the team control possession and score the winning goal.
Contrarily, when he has started a game, Garnacho has rarely been able to have the same effect. Only three of his 14 starts, all in cup games rather than Premier League games, saw him score or provide an assist. He hasn’t been particularly horrible, but he hasn’t been able to enjoy himself much when not facing worn-out defenses, and playing 90 minutes of football can be physically demanding, especially if you’re not used to it. This could be where the issue is.
Garnacho hasn’t been outstanding at opening games, but he hasn’t yet received regular playing time in the team, which would help him pick up speed and establish the correct rhythm. It’s bound to be harder when you’ve only played a full 90 minutes of senior football three times.
For United, Garnacho has never started three straight games. When you don’t play enough, it’s tough to develop consistency and realize your full potential. Garnacho has been more active and threatening than his teammates wide forwards this season, although playing comparatively fewer minutes. He has earned the chance to enjoy a run of games to demonstrate his abilities. Although it might not go well at first, perseverance is necessary if Ten Hag wants the best out of him.
Although there’s no urgency and there’s nothing wrong with coming on as a super sub, United’s assault has struggled this year, and having Garnacho at his best early on rather than later should help.
