07 December 2023 , 08:28
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Patrice Evra has publicly backed Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho after some fans and pundits blasted the winger for not defending enough.
Garnacho was one of the brightest sparks on the pitch for United during the 2-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday night, constantly posing an attacking threat and a thorn in the side of opposition defenders. However, question marks continue to linger over whether the young Argentine contributes enough in a defensive sense having left Luke Shaw to fend for himself on a few occasions.
Not everyone believes that Garnacho should shoulder the responsibility of getting back and helping his side defend. Former United left-back Evra seemed to suggest that those playing behind the winger must simply accept their workload will be increased.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Evra claimed: "What I love about him is that he has that United DNA. I know against Newcastle, people were saying he doesn’t track back but I’m sorry - I played with Giggsy, with Park Ji-Sung, with Ronaldo, with Nani.
"I’d never ask them to track back because [Sir Alex] Ferguson was always saying they had to enjoy the two v one scenario - if you can’t accept a two v one scenario, you’re not a Man United defender."
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Fellow pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink echoed a similar sentiment, choosing to praise Garnacho for what he brings to this United side going forward rather than how he may hinder them by not going back. The ex-Chelsea striker added: "Also, he’s a little bit arrogant - and there’s nothing wrong with that if you do it in the right way and he is.
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Alejandro Garnacho has been defended by Patrice Evra"He wants to produce, he wants to get the finish, he’s not the finished article, but he’s direct. He’s scoring goals, and that is important as a winger."
Garnacho has endured a mixed start to the season. He boasts just one goal and one assist across 13 Premier League games this term, but the winger's stock did rise considering that solitary strike came in the form of a sensational overhead kick away at Everton.
Many members of the United faithful, Evra included, are clearly of the belief that it is moments of attacking brilliance like the one at Goodison Park that justify Garnacho's place in the side, rather than tracking back to help out full-backs.