Garnacho: I love to study the opposition
Alejandro Garnacho has revealed that he loves to analyse how he can beat opposition full-backs, so he knows where and how he can deceive them in a match.
The young starlet explained his process – whether starting a game or coming on as a substitute – while discussing his Man of the Match performances against Aston Villa and Fulham earlier this month.
In both games, Garnacho turned events in United’s favour, by providing what manager Erik ten Hag called “end product”.
And the 18-year-old admitted that his impact off the bench is no coincidence, but rather the reward for time spent weighing up likely game situations.
And the 18-year-old admitted that his impact off the bench is no coincidence, but rather the reward for time spent weighing up likely game situations.
Garnacho: I’m humbled to win this award Video
Garnacho: I’m humbled to win this award
POTM interview, part one | A grateful Alejandro Garnacho talks us through the highlights of his award-winning month…
“For the Fulham goal, I’d been keen to come on and we were drawing one each at the time,” he explained to club media.
“The situation in the game was just right for the counterattack, and for running at people, which is what I like to do.
“I played a one-two with Christian Eriksen and he put me in with a great pass as I ran in behind the defence and I was able to finish it off. In that moment, everything was very intense, and I could hardly believe it!”
But despite the incredible emotion of that injury-time winner – which was mirrored in a delirious United away end at Craven Cottage – Garnacho believes that his recent successes have come from thorough preparation.
“[You have to be ready] to go on and give everything,” he told us. “At home I always study the full-backs and during the game itself; during the time I’m sitting on the bench.
“So I can then go on and know where and how I need to be looking to go past them.
“I analyse games and also opponents when I’m about to come up against them, so that I’ve got some background on each player to be ready for the game.”
All The Angles: Garnacho v Fulham Video
All The Angles: Garnacho v Fulham
All The Angles | Alejandro Garnacho’s winning goal at Fulham in 2022 was superb from every single view…
Intriguingly, both of Garnacho’s senior goals so far have come via his left foot, rather than his more natural right. Again, the Academy graduate says those finishes are down to an intelligent approach to the game and practice methods.
“I’ve always liked to play out wide on the left, as a right-footed player able to cut inside,” he noted.
A November to remember
GalleryTelling the story of Alejandro Garnacho's award-winning month in 10 significant images.
“To be able to play as a right-footed player down the left, you also have to be pretty decent with your weaker foot. From an early age, I’ve always practiced hard using both feet, because that makes you into a much better player and so nowadays I can play with both feet – not to perfection but to a good standard.
“Thankfully I was able to score those two goals with my other foot without too much difficulty.”
Back to Top