Alejandro Garnacho revels as Erik Ten Hag and Old Trafford sing his praises after Manchester United win
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ByOli Gent
Updated 09/03/2024 at 20:33 GMT
Alejandro Garnacho labelled a celebratory chants of "Viva Garnacho" from the Old Trafford crowd “a dream" after the Argentine winger played a pivotal role in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Everton. The 19-year-old won both penalties that were converted by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford as Erik ten Hag's side moved to within three points of fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur in the table.
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United walks off after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC at Old Trafford on March 09, 2024 in Manchester, England
Image credit: Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho revelled in chants of his name from a celebratory Old Trafford, labelling his song ‘Viva Garnacho’ “a dream”.
The Argentina winger played a pivotal role in , winning both penalties - converted by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford - to get Erik ten Hag’s side back to winning ways after two straight defeats.
The Red Devils had lost their previous home game - surprised 2-1 in the dying embers by Fulham and Alex Iwobi’s last-minute winner - and were then dealt a 3-1 defeat by Manchester City last weekend, despite taking the lead through Rashford at the Etihad Stadium.
Garnacho, who has risen to the first-team fore at United since Ten Hag’s arrival in the summer of 2022, was at his brilliant best against Everton, helping the home side to a victory that takes them to within three points of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth place in the Premier League table, as the Old Trafford outfit continued their pursuit of UEFA Champions League football next term.
“It’s very important to win the games; [get] the three points,” Garnacho told TNT Sports. “We lost the last two games so it’s important to be there. We want to be in the Champions League next season.
“The manager said every game is a final. We have to win every single game; we are Manchester United.
“[Ten Hag] wants me to go one v one, to shoot, to dribble, and today I won two penalties. It’s important to also help the team.
“It’s like a dream, with my age. A full Old Trafford singing my name - I’m very proud.”
Ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, heaped praise on the 19-year-old winger, with the Dutchman believing that the teenager still has so much more to give.
“He is progressing very well,” Ten Hag said to TNT Sports. “We’re very pleased with this. His contribution today was huge with his runs and dribbles. He’s effective for the audience as well. We want to show something - dribbles - well-deserved penalties."
The United boss also addressed Bruno Fernandes’ decision to offer Rashford the hosts’ second spot-kick, and claimed that the England forward “is good” after being in a “difficult time” when The Red Devils last locked horns with Everton. Fernandes offered Rashford United’s 56th-minute penalty at Goodison Park, with the winger scoring the second goal from the spot in a 3-0 win.
“[Rashford] is good in the game and good in the team,” Ten Hag explained. "[The gesture] shows the team spirit. Bruno took the first, but we have more very good penalty-takers. Bruno, Rashy, Casemiro. We have more. After the first one, he did this at Everton. At that period he was in a difficult time, but in this moment, he’s good. He’s in the team; he has a good spirit. He is a threat.”
Ten Hag stressed the importance of the three points, with United seeking to set their form straight after two consecutive defeats.
“It was important - after one bad result against Fulham - we had to put that right and keep the pressure on the teams above us,” Ten Hag said.
“It can happen a lot, with lots of games to play. Everyone is killing everyone. Now, we are back. Keep pressure on them, and we will see what will happen.”
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