Ten Hag's congratulatory speech to the Garnachos

We joined the Academy graduate at his house last Friday morning to capture the occasion from start to finish, travelling with the Garnacho family to sign on the dotted line at Carrington.

After posing for pictures with Erik ten Hag and Darren Fletcher, and conducting an in-depth interview, our no.49 then trained with the squad as he continues to recovery from injury. 
 
Garna’s next stop was then Old Trafford, where he posed for more family photos at pitchside and mingled with supporters who were enjoying the stadium tour.

The 18-year-old also took in the Museum to learn more about those who have come before him at United. 

Watch our behind-the-scenes film below to witness his unforgettable day…

TEN HAG’S SPEECH TO THE GARNACHOS

As you can see in our video, the manager speaks passionately about Alejandro’s progress and future at the club when he personally addresses the player's family inside the Jimmy Murphy Centre at Carrington. It is a touching moment and a compelling insight into Erik’s powerful relationship with a prodigy who is flourishing under his tutelage.

“I met your family, the most important people in your life,” says the boss to Garna, before speaking to the family directly. “It’s a big, big moment, so I [will say] some words. 

“He is improving and he has improved a lot. That is why we are now here and he deserves this, a new contract. It is deserved by his performance and he has fought his way into the team. 

“So, it was a huge step and he did magnificently. Now, I hope and I think this new contract is an inspiration and a motivation to do even better. Because it is a big step and today you deserve it. 

“We have to do some celebrations and you have to do some celebrations with your family, they are the ones who are in your heart. 

“This club needs players who can do incredible things. It is not only about 'we want to win'. Also, we want to win in a certain way. But winning is the most important and then we want to win in a certain way, because we are playing in the Theatre of Dreams. 

“And then this club has to win trophies and you want to win trophies, because in the end a contract is great but in the end of a career you want to collect trophies. You want to look back and say 'I won the Premier League, I won the Champions League, I was at the World Cup'. 

“I think he has the talent to do it but talent has to work, because talent that does not work will not go far. This is the start, a new start, a signed contract, and tomorrow new roles, new aims and go.”

WORKING HARD TO RETURN

Garnacho is currently training with the squad and building up his fitness following the season-threatening injury that he sustained in March. 

It is hoped that will still have a role to play this season and Alejandro is desperate to help his team-mates when ready. 

“I’m really keen to get back playing once again,” he told us. “I can’t wait to get back to Old Trafford and hear the fans chanting my name, it really gives me goose bumps. I’m desperate to be back playing. 

“I’m back in training again, so let’s see when I can be back in the stadium helping the team.” 

As the manager has emphasised, playing for United is about winning trophies and the squad is determined to add the Emirates FA Cup to our Carabao Cup success. 

Garna is optimistic he can contribute to that objective and take further steps forward in his burgeoning career.

“Nobody in their life would ever have imagined me, at just 18 years old, already winning a trophy with this club, Manchester United, having helped them to achieve that as part of the team. 

“This really motivates me even more to want to win more things. In the end, I’m very ambitious and will not settle for having won one trophy. 

“This season we’ve still got one trophy ahead of us to play for and we’ll be battling for it as hard as we can. 

“And we also have the target of getting into the Champions League, of course. And with my ambition and my will to win, I feel even extra motivated.” 

Congratulations, Alejandro, and keep up the good work.