27 December 2023 , 11:52
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Erik ten Hag believes he can accommodate both Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in the same team after the former's match-winning display against Aston Villa.
Garnacho, 19, stepped up to inspire a rousing second-half fightback with United trailing 2-0, scoring twice to restore parity. Rasmus Hojlund plundered his first Premier League goal late on to complete the comeback.
The Argentina international, whose preferred position is on the left, was deployed on the right-hand side against Villa with Rashford on the opposite flank. Rashford teed up Garnacho for his first goal, and Ten Hag hinted that the duo could play together more often.
Speaking of Garnacho post-match, Ten Hag said: "Previously as well, he was almost more comfortable on the left but I think he can play on the right as well. Today, I think he was on that right side over 90 minute an absolute threat, scored twice. But I think the whole frontline played very good. They invested so much in the runs behind, the timings were so good and it was continuing a threat for the opponent.
"I think he [Rashford] played very good but he was ill during the period. Also, he had one or two games that we prefer to play Garnacho over the left side because he deserved it.
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"He showed he was not only a threat, he had key actions, assists, shots on target, scored goals. So there is also internal competition, but we have to see how we fit them in together."
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Erik ten Hag has hinted Alejandro Garnacho could play on the right wing more often (Matthew Peters/Manchester United FC)
Garnacho scored twice after the break in the dramatic 3-2 win against Aston Villa (Nathan Stirk)Garnacho's two-goal haul against Villa means the talented teenager has now scored five times in all competitions this term. After handing the youngster a new improved contract last May, Ten Hag challenged him to establish himself as a first-team regular this year.
Ten Hag said of Garnacho previously: “First of all, I think he has the prize and it’s a prize. He also shows he can make the final step – not only in talent but also, he made it. But now it’s a new start, a restart, because now the expectations will be higher, the demands definitely will 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. But now is coming more work to go because the demands are higher, we expect more from him. But it’s great he made it because it tells we will give young players opportunities, but they have to deserve it.
He continued: “For Alejandro, he is that step beyond but now the demands will be even more because he has now to compete for a starting XI position. So, 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 that challenge but most important is the player has to do it.”