Ten Hag provides Garnacho update

Sunday 12 March 2023 17:43

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has delivered an update on the injury sustained by Alejandro Garnacho during our 0-0 draw with Southampton at Old Trafford.

The 18-year-old, who was initially brought on to replace Jadon Sancho with 17 minutes remaining in the game, was forced off in injury-time, not long after bearing the brunt of a heavy, but fair, challenge from Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters.

After initially playing on, Garnacho was replaced by midfielder Fred in the closing stages and then hobbled along the touchline and back through the tunnel. He was later seen leaving the ground on crutches after the game.

Erik was keen to ease fans of their initial worry regarding the forward's situation, when asked for an update in his post-match press conference.

Erik's post-match press conference Video

Erik's post-match press conference

Erik ten Hag's media briefing after the Southampton draw includes a word on the fitness of Alejandro Garnacho...

“He was a little bit limping after the bad tackle,” began the boss.

“In the end they brought on another striker, a big and tall one [Paul Onuachu] and I don't want to go for risk, we were already downsized to 10 [men].

“I didn't want to go with players who were [just] 90 per cent. That's why I called him off but I think it is not too bad.”

The Reds now have just two games to play before the March international break, with Real Betis first up in the second leg of our Europa League round-of-16 tie in Seville on Thursday.

We then play Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup at Old Trafford next Sunday, and the boss will hope Alejandro recovers to be available for both games.

Our no.49 has found the net four times in 29 games this season, with his latest strike coming in our 2-0 win against Leeds at Elland Road in February.

Which games will Casemiro miss?

 Article

The Brazilian will have to serve a suspension following his red card against Southampton.

With influential midfielder Casemiro set to miss the next four domestic games, United's squad depth will once again be tested, with long-term absentees Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen still missing.

Victor Lindelof sat out the clash with the Saints due to illness, while Marcel Sabitzer and Anthony Martial were injured.

Recommended: