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Manchester United have the perfect birthday present to hand Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho turns 19 on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag assesses impressive Alejandro Garnacho
A year ago, Alejandro Garnacho was just a youngster looking to make his mark at Manchester United. Fast-forward to now, however, and the Argentina international is a central figure for manager Erik ten Hag. The youngster celebrates his 19th birthday on Saturday - and the No 7 shirt made famous by icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and George Best would certainly be some present…
Manchester United signed Garnacho in the summer transfer window of 2020, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bringing in the teenager from Atletico Madrid.
And the forward then made his first appearance for the club in April 2022, coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Garnacho initially struggled to win Ten Hag round last season.
He was late for two team meetings on the club’s pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand, at a time when his new boss was looking to stamp his authority on the squad.
Garnacho also had to be lectured in training for walking around with his laces untied, something that didn’t go unnoticed among the United coaching staff.
However, after starring in a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad before the World Cup, he didn’t look back.
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Garnacho was a revelation for United last season, establishing himself as one of the best young players in the whole of world football.
The forward bagged five goals and clocked up four assists from 34 appearances across all competitions.
And his directness, trickery and overall game made him instantly adored by fans who attended matches at Old Trafford.
If you were to ask any United supporter who their best young player is, Garnacho would likely be mentioned 99 times out of 100.
United know how special he is, moving to tie their rising star down to a new contract back in April.
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He knows he’s pretty special, too.
Garnacho doesn’t lack confidence and also impressed off the bench in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City last month.
Had he started the match at Wembley, the match could have been extremely different.
While Garnacho has been shining for United, the club’s iconic No 7 has been vacant.
Ronaldo was the last occupant, with the Portugal international sporting it for a second time prior to his controversial departure in November.
United, in the time since, have resisted the temptation to give it to an existing member of the squad.
United know how special he is, moving to tie their rising star down to a new contract back in April.
He knows he’s pretty special, too.
Garnacho doesn’t lack confidence and also impressed off the bench in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City last month.
Had he started the match at Wembley, the match could have been extremely different.
While Garnacho has been shining for United, the club’s iconic No 7 has been vacant.
But Garnacho has a dream. And that’s to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo by wearing the jersey that means more to the club than any other.
It isn’t just Ronaldo who has made it so special over the years.
David Beckham was another fine occupant, with the England international winning every major trophy during his time at the club.
Eric Cantona propelled United to four Premier League titles after being signed from Leeds in 1992.
And before the trio there was Best, whose dazzling footwork and eye for goal saw him become a legend during the Sir Matt Busby years.
As Garnacho turns 19, he’s a player who is set to play a big part in United’s future for many years to come.
And that’s why he warrants the No 7 shirt.
It could yet inspire him to scale even greater heights. Certainly he’s made it known he craves the digit on social media.
Sure, United may hand it to a marquee new signing - with a deal for Mason Mount close and interest in Harry Kane still there.
But amid suggestions Garnacho could inherit Ronaldo’s old number, that would be the wisest move of all.