Alejandro Garnacho made his first senior start for Manchester United during Thursday evening’s Europa League clash with Sheriff.
The 18-year-old has impressed at youth level since joining United from Atletico Madrid in October 2020.
Whilst he did not mark his debut with a goal, the teenager was playing with confidence and lighting up Old Trafford with his skill and attacking threat. He sent a message to Erik ten Hag of his ability to play with the first team, and hopefully the manager rewards Garnacho with more game time.
The Argentinian made the start alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Garnacho has made it clear in the past just how much he admires the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
It’s unlikely to find a young player from Argentina who names Ronaldo the “GOAT” over a certain Paris Saint-Germain forward, but Garnacho is breaking the mould.
Garnacho exits the pitch with his idol
After the full-time whistle, Garnacho came back onto the pitch to ensure he left down the tunnel with the 37-year-old.
In a heart-warming video circulating social media, you can see just how much it means to the youngster to have the opportunity to play with and learn from his idol in the closing stages of Ronaldo’s career.
Garnacho went back on the pitch just to walk out with Cristiano Ronaldo 😂❤️
— TC (@totalcristiano) October 28, 2022
After the game, Garmacho took to social media to express his emotions on a milestone day in his career. He posted a picture of himself and Ronaldo, captioned: “I don’t know if it’s real or if I’m dreaming”.
I don't know if it's real or if I'm dreaming pic.twitter.com/3GR80nObqU
— Alejandro Garnacho (@agarnacho7) October 27, 2022
