Sir Alex Ferguson asserted in his book, Leading, that ‘You win nothing without kids.’ Aside from a satisfying retort to a comment from Alan Hansen in 1995 which aged more poorly than Ronaldo over the summer, it underlines the mentality Ferguson sought to instil within his teams; fearlessness. He explains how, ‘For young players, nothing is impossible…they will try and run through a barbed-wire fence, while older players will try to find a gate.’

The exuberance of youth can have a galvanising effect on a team, as well as a stadium, and Alejandro Garnacho’s 30 minute cameo last night paid tribute to this mantra perfectly. Old Trafford was absolutely roaring as the final whistle blew, and it was largely driven by the attacking endeavours it had witnessed from Manchester United’s latest incarnation of flying winger. A style of assertive attacking the left-wing has been sorely lacking this season. Yet Garnacho’s experiences this season highlight the perils of youth; fearless but at times impetuous, confident but at times arrogant. The young Argentinian has firmly established himself within the squad over the past few weeks, but it’s a process which Erik Ten Hag had initially sought to implement in the summer.

Garnacho was included on United’s preseason tour following an impressive season for the reserves, which had seen him earn a call-up to the Argentinian national team in March. He was, however, late to team meetings twice on the tour and displayed an attitude that worried staff and player alike. Ten Hag specifically took ire with Garnacho attending training with his shoes untied. It spoke to a carefree attitude which, on the one hand, makes the winger a nightmare for defenders but, on the other, a nightmare for a perfectionist like Ten Hag. The Dutch manager chose to send a message and rowed back on Garnacho’s inclusion within the squad, with the Argentinian not playing a minute on the tour until the final match against Rayo Vallecano.

This disciplinary process represents a complicated dance for a manager. A marker needs to be laid down about the standards and requirements needed to play at this level, yet it must not curtail the attributes which make that player special. An acknowledgement of being part of a collective without the sacrificing of individual qualities. Based on the performances over the past few weeks it’s a dance which Ten Hag appears to have gracefully mastered.

Garnacho made his full United debut against Sheriff two weeks ago, playing well in a comfortable 3-0 win. Ten Hag adjudged it a ‘good performance’ on a night where he displayed what his manager calls the ‘X-factor.’ Garnacho had impressed in training in the weeks prior to the game and Ten Hag felt this shift in mentality worthy of being brought back into consideration. The noises from the senior players in the squad indicate it’s a transformation they’ve noticed as well. Speaking after the game, Bruno Fernandes went in to more detail:

‘On the tour he didn’t have the best attitude that he should have, but now he’s training better and getting his chances. He’s deserving of his chances.’

Having been presented with the chance, Garnacho has seized it both hands. The debut against Sheriff was followed a week later by a start away in San Sebastián; a match United had to win by 2 goals to progress ahead of Real Sociedad in their group. A 1-0 win followed unfortunately, but it was Garnacho who scored the winner, running through on goal and finishing with aplomb on his weaker foot. He maintained his starting berth a few days later against Aston Villa in what was a disastrous experience collectively for United at Villa Park. While Garnacho had moments of quality, he was largely ineffective, but stood out no more or less amidst a Red Sea of ineffectiveness.

It was the type of experience that could knock a young player’s resolve. Particularly given that player would be dropped to the bench once again five days later. Against the same opposition. Yet, when given his chance as a substitute, Garnacho ran riot, torturing a Villa defence who had no answer to his direct approach. It was, however, his quick use of the ball which will have pleased Ten Hag the most. Famed for his dribbling, which was certainly on display, both of Garnacho’s assists came from releasing the ball early and catching the defence off-guard. The first a smart, but simple, pass into Fernandes to clinically punish a Villa mistake. The second was anything but simple. A beautifully curled cross from deep that fell perfectly onto McTominay’s outstretched toe felt reminiscent of David Beckham. They were moments which indicated a diversity to Garnacho’s game; capable of beating the defender down either side, or finding the perfect ball in behind if they stand off too much. It’s a potent combination.

And it’s a combination driven by a fearlessness of the intimidating stage that Old Trafford provides. Garnacho knows he is capable at this level and is unafraid of demonstrating it. It paints a stark contrast to someone like Jadon Sancho who, for all his talent, appears overwhelmed by the pressure and expectation of a club like Manchester United. Where Sancho is failing, Garnacho is succeeding. And while Garnacho may not be able to physically run through a barbed-wire fence, he’ll most likely be able to drop a shoulder and leave the fence dead in its tracks.

Darragh Fox