Alejandro Garnacho assisted Marcus Rashford’s winning goal as Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford.
City took the lead through Jack Grealish, before Bruno Fernandes and Rashford’s goals turned the game on its head.
But much of the praise for United’s comeback has to go to 18-year-old Garnacho, who injected life into the attack when he came on in the second half.
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Garnacho turned City defender Nathan Ake and squared to Rashford for an easy tap-in to get revenge for the 6-3 thrashing in October.
Erik ten Hag’s side are up to third in the Premier League, just one point behind the champions and six behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Man Utd fans react to Garnacho
Garnacho may not have gotten on the scoresheet today, but his influence on the game cannot be overstated.
He was the bright spark that helped United end the second half far better than they started it.
Alejandro Garnacho. The kid is cold. pic.twitter.com/iediFc8SfB
β VERSUS (@vsrsus) January 14, 2023
Havenβt had that feeling in so long. What a win. Absolutely massive for what Ten Hag is doing at the club. Garnacho changed the game for United. Rashford always turns up even when injured. Incredible.
β Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 14, 2023
Today’s Manchester derby was not the first time Garnacho has impressed for United. The Argentina international is having a solid season, especially for such a young player.
Alejandro Garnacho in 25 minutes vs. Manchester City:
14 touches
1 aerial duel won
1 key pass
1 big chance created
1 assistGenerational. π« pic.twitter.com/wIvj1qmzFH
β Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 14, 2023
Alejandro Garnacho for Man United this season – 2 goals, 4 assists, 1 penalty won, directly involved in a goal every 85 minutes.
He keeps making the most out of the minutes given by Erik ten Hag. π΄π₯ pic.twitter.com/RLCWMXdXgQ
β Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) January 14, 2023
United’s fortunes have turned around under Ten Hag, who seems to have taken no time at all to adjust to English football.
The Dutchman has cleared out the deadwood at the club, Cristiano Ronaldo in particular, and built a young, hungry team that the fans are proud of.
Alejandro Garnacho Appreciation Tweet. Changed the club completely. π«
ππ ππ¦ π’π‘ππ¬ ππ΄ π± pic.twitter.com/W7674cCj0J
β centredevils. (@centredevils) January 14, 2023
Absolutely incredible what ten Hag has done in just a few months. Total and complete belief in the side. Brilliant plan today. Old Trafford rocking. Haaland invisible. Garnacho a starboy. Rashford a changed man.
Manchester is blood red. π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄
β Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) January 14, 2023
United’s next game is against Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.