Erik ten Hag previews Burnley clash
Rasmus Hojlund has been one of little positives for Manchester United during a troublesome opening two weeks of the season. And Alejandro Garnacho will be just as delighted with the 20-year-old striker as the United fanbase after reportedly holding out for the transfer in the summer.
Hojlund joined from Atalanta in a £72million deal but arrived with a minor back injury and had to wait until the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal earlier this month for his debut.
He impressed in his cameo at the Emirates Stadium, playing a key role in the move that produced what Garnacho believed was a late winner before VAR denied the visitors.
The new United No 11 made his first start against Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford and found the net before VAR, again, chalked the goal off.
But he netted again at Bayern Munich on his Champions League debut in midweek and provides an attacking focal point that Erik ten Hag sorely missed in his maiden season in charge.
United’s wingers now have a 6ft 3in target to aim for in the box, as well as cutting inside to take a shot, and Garnacho will be satisfied.
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According to The Athletic, the 19-year-old told teammates of his desire for the club to sign a striker who could attack crosses at United’s pre-season base in San Diego.
Garnacho started United’s opening two games of the season against Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur but has had to settle for three substitute appearances since.
The Argentina international has only had the chance to link up with Hojlund for 14 minutes against Arsenal.
But the youthful pair have been pictured striking up a strong relationship on the training pitch, potentially blooming a deadly partnership for years to come.
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Hojlund has likely indirectly restricted Garnacho’s minutes this term, with his presence in the team meaning Marcus Rashford can operate in his – and the No 17’s – preferred left-wing position.
United have significant issues on the right. Jadon Sancho remains banished by Ten Hag, and Antony is on a leave of absence as he addresses abuse allegations in Brazil – which he strongly denies.
But Ten Hag may not view Garnacho as a right winger, opting for a narrow diamond formation in the 3-1 defeat to Brighton and handing Facundo Pellistri his second United start in the 4-3 loss at Bayern.
Pellistri’s underwhelming display at the Allianz Arena could open the door for Garnacho to return to the team against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday night, in which Hojlund is also bound to feature.
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