Alejandro Garnacho: back with a bang
Alejandro Garnacho's first Manchester United appearance since our 2024 FA Cup final win over Manchester City was a bright one, as the Argentinian came off the bench to score the opener in our Community Shield encounter against the same opponents, at the same stadium, on Saturday.
Garna was introduced in the 59th minute, with the sides locked at 0-0, and drove in from the right-hand side before inching a left-footed effort beyond Ederson, sending the United fans behind the goal into jubilant celebrations.
Unfortunately for our players and supporters, Bernardo Silva levelled for City late on, before we were edged in a topsy-turvy penalty shootout.
You can watch Garnacho's finish, courtesy of ITV, below.
Alejandro Garnacho brilliantly gives Man Utd the lead 🤩
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 10, 2024
Could that be the winner for Erik ten Hag's side...? 👀#ITVFootball | #CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/SOht0b0DY1
It's been quite the year for the Academy graduate, who helped Argentina to Copa America glory during the summer - alongside Reds team-mate Lisandro Martinez.
According to statisticians Opta, Garna is the youngest player to score in the Community Shield since Cesc Fabregas for Arsenal against Chelsea in 2005. He is the youngest to do so for Manchester United since George Best in 1965.
The winger has cemented himself as an important player for Erik ten Hag's team in the last 12 months and, after demonstrating the kind of skill we have come to associate with the 20-year-old, Garnacho received plenty of plaudits.
Carl Anka, who writes for The Athletic, posted on X: "Garnacho running at tired defenders. Always enjoyable."
Laurie Whitwell, journalist for the same publication, said: "Garnacho picking up where he left off for MUFC. So smooth running inside + picking his spot with his left. Mobbed by teammates in celebrations, name sung loud by United fans."
Samuel Luckhurst, of the Manchester Evening News, posted: "Superb from Garnacho. No chance he'll be on the bench next week."
In addition to journalists, social media feeds were awash with praise and admiration for our no.17, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Despite the disappointment at being edged by our rivals, there are positives for Ten Hag to take, and Garnacho's performance is one of them.