Vice-captain of Manchester United Bruno Fernandes has explained why he is so reluctant to give Alejandro Garnacho credit.
Garnacho made his debut appearance with the first squad for United on Saturday in their 2-0 victory over Wolves after missing eight weeks due to injury.
Garnacho, who was introduced in the 81st minute, scored his fifth goal for the team after being set up by Fernandes to secure the victory.
As the season reaches its final stages, the Argentine’s return gives United boss Erik ten Hag some much-needed encouragement.
In spite of rumours that Real Madrid was interested, Garnacho committed his future to United last month by signing a new five-year contract.
Garnacho thanked United’s veteran players for keeping him grounded after signing his new contract.
In particular, Fernandes has taken on the role of mentor for the adolescent, giving him guidance and pointing out potential issues that the youth should take care of.
Fernandes addressed Garnacho’s problems in preseason, adding that he “didn’t have the best attitude” while on tour, after Garnacho scored his first goal for the team against Real Sociedad earlier this season.
Fernandes has kept a close eye on Garnacho and has kept his compliments to a minimum.
Fernandes explained his circumspect behaviour by saying, “What I have to say to Garna, I tell to him at the training site, wherever we’re eating, whenever.
He is able to hear if he wants to. If not, he doesn’t, but I do my best to assist. He may have mentioned in an interview that I frequently try to assist him; that is exactly what I’m attempting to accomplish.
“Obviously, he’s still young, and I don’t want to heap on the praise because, you know, when you’re young and you receive too much praise, you can start to relax and stuff.
But he wouldn’t be playing, in my opinion, if he wasn’t performing the necessary tasks.
Fernandes compliments Ten Hag for the way Garnacho was handled.
Fernandes praised Erik ten Hag for his outstanding management of Garnacho throughout the course of the season.
“At the beginning of the season, the manager didn’t give him many chances, because he thought he wasn’t being the best he could,” stated Fernandes.
“Now that he’s practising hard and doing what has to be done, he’s receiving his opportunities and playing a lot this season.
The most crucial factor is that both he and the team are receiving their rewards. He was obviously already extremely talented when playing for the young squad, but competing in the Premier League is a completely different experience.
“He trains with us every day, which helps him get ready for the games. He is lot stronger mentally as well, and I believe he is aware of what it takes to be a professional athlete.
We are aware of his ability to influence games, play quickly, and challenge players, but since he is still a young player, we shouldn’t put too much pressure on him.
Although he has the potential to do even better things, “he can do great things, but in the future he has to do much better than he is currently doing.”