Undoubtedly one of the most clinical finishers in Manchester United’s history, Ruud van Nistelrooy couldn’t have reached the levels he did without a few howlers along the way.
Tonight, after the emphatic scenes that followed Joshua Zirkzee’s late winner on his debut, Alejandro Garnacho was brought straight back down to Earth when he missed essentially an open goal in the dying embers of added time.
Marcus Rashford was alert enough to latch on to the end of a loose ball after a complete miskick from Calvin Bassey and proceeded to unselfishly play in his attacking counterpart – despite being perfectly set up for a shot himself.
Then, when 70,000+ fans expected to see Bernd Leno’s net ripple, Garnacho was left red-faced while watching his strike drag wide of the post.
HOW has Alejandro Garnacho not scored this?! 🫣 pic.twitter.com/nBtjt4eSgS
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 16, 2024
He was lucky that the three points were almost certainly in the bag for United at that stage of the night, although increasing the goal difference by even one wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Ruud’s classy gesture to Garnacho
After the full-time whistle blew, the 20-year-old went to head down the Stretford End tunnel – not before being caught up by newly-appointed coach Van Nistelrooy, though, who made sure to comfort Garnacho while the rest of his teammates were still celebrating.
A touch of class from the United legend – and one that’ll only boost the youngster’s morale.
Look at Ruud Van Nistelrooy going over to Alejandro Garnacho to cheer him up.
WHAT A GUY!😍❤️ pic.twitter.com/NIFcno59cA
— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBall_) August 16, 2024
Footage courtesy of @TenHagBall_ on X/Twitter.
