Erik ten Hag is keeping Alejandro Garnacho on his toes following the confirmation of his contract extension.
Last week, it was announced that Manchester United had finally tied down the academy graduate to a four-year extended deal, keeping him at Old Trafford, and away from any luring clubs, until 2028.
Everyone will agree it was well deserved. Garnacho’s breakthrough season has been incredible to witness and at only 18, he has so much more to show in the red shirt as he continues to develop and gain experience.
Hopefully, we can see him back in action soon, as the Argentinian has been sidelined since March 12 with an ankle injury. Ten Hag has hinted that his return to the matchday squad is right around the corner, and he’ll be an excellent addition to have at the manager’s disposal for the remainder of the run-in.
Starts and game time won’t always come easy though, according to Ten Hag. He’s assured that whilst Garnacho has been rightfully rewarded for his efforts this season, the expectations will continue to grow and the teenager must continue to prove himself in the first-team.
Ten Hag on Garnacho
In the manager’s pre-match press conference today, he said (via MUTV): “First of all, I think he has the prize [contract] and it’s a prize, he also shows he can make the final step, not only in talent but also he made it. Now, it’s a new start, a restart, because now expectations will be higher, the demands will definitely be higher, he is on his way, he is a strong character and that’s why he’s there in the moment on this level and he did it by himself.
“Now more work is coming to go because the demands are higher, we expect more from him but it’s great he made it. It tells we will give young players op[opportunities but they have to deserve it. When I say give, translate to deserve. They have to deserve with their feet, show it on the pitch and it means invest a lot, invest in training performances, in the U21s then wait for your moment and prove again.
“Alejandro is that step beyond but now the demands will be even more.
He has to compete for a starting XI position. Every time is the same: you have to cross limits and every time you have to go in the next level, we go with him in the challenge but most important is the player has to do it.”
