Alejandro Garnacho’s impact on the Manchester Derby not only helped secure United a famous win but also earned him a place in the fixture’s history books.
Garnacho’s cross to tee up Marcus Rashford for the winner meant he became the youngest player to assist a goal in the derby.
As reported in the Manchester Evening News, Rashford struck with 10 minutes to go, to give United the 2-1 comeback win.
At 18 years 197 days, Garnacho set the record and sent Old Trafford into raptures.
18 – Alejandro Garnacho (18y 197d) is now the youngest player to assist a goal in a Manchester derby in the Premier League. Fearless. pic.twitter.com/ltjyvfevOq
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 14, 2023
Garnacho’s cameo underlined his progression into the team this season and his impact was crucial once more as his breakthrough campaign continues to go from strength to strength.
The absence of Jadon Sancho has gone relatively unnoticed due to the performances of Garnacho, whose attitude is now matching his ability.
The youngster is now a key part of Ten Hag’s side and is becoming somewhat of a fan favourite with his infectious personality on the pitch.
He has now scored three and assisted six goals for United in all competitions this season in just 18 games, which is all the more remarkable when considering he has averaged just 46 minutes per game. This means he is averaging a goal involvement every 93 minutes.
United are deep in talks with the Spanish-born player’s representatives to tie him down to a new long-term contract.
Having signed from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for just €465,000, the academy graduate is fast becoming one of the hottest prospects in world football and is already the subject of transfer speculation back to La Liga.
His current deal at United runs to 2024 with the option of a further year.
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