Ten Hag makes Garnacho prediction
On Manchester United's most recent visit to London, Alejandro Garnacho stole the show with the most dramatic of injury-time winners to earn a 2-1 triumph at Fulham.
The result had massive repercussions as it lifted the spirits immeasurably throughout a lengthy break in Premier League action, because of the staging of the winter World Cup in Qatar.
Garnacho went away with the squad to Spain, the country of his birth, and has featured in all seven of the games since the restart.
On Saturday, he came off the bench to provide the assist for Marcus Rashford to jab in the priceless derby winner against Manchester City.
Next up, in the relentless schedule, is the first of a double-header in the capital. Crystal Palace provide the opposition at Selhurst Park on Wednesday (20:00 GMT kick-off) before league leaders Arsenal lie in wait on Sunday (16:30 GMT kick-off).
The Eagles may have to contend with our reigning Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year running at their defence, after Erik ten Hag expressed his admiration for the teenager's development and natural ability in being able to beat his marker.
"Yeah, he’s [improving] a lot," said the boss. "He has skill and I don’t see that many players, even in the Premier League, who have that skill, like he beats players one-on-one. But he learned in the last months how to play in the team and how to live and do the right things in the week, and how to have the right attitude on the training ground.
"You can see how he is acting as a team player," explained the manager. "But his individual skills can make the difference. Also, for him, it’s to keep going in the process, it’s not done as there is a lot to come and a lot more room for improvement for him, but he can help contribute on the highest level.
"I’m really happy. It is a bonus for us, as a club, that you bring in young players who come into the squad and even come into the team. I think also it is a part of our project that has to contribute to our success.”
Part two: Erik's pre-Palace press conference
The boss expects a physical test in south London but has full belief in his players...
The fact Garnacho is capable of impacting such high-level games as the derby is testament to his undoubted quality and ability to wreak havoc down the left flank.
The 18-year-old made his first away appearance for the Reds at Selhurst Park last season, after a debut at Old Trafford against Chelsea, and will be looking to help ensure the Reds achieve a more positive result than that 1-0 loss this time around.
After becoming the youngest player to assist a goal in a Manchester derby in the Premier League era, the Argentina Under-20 international will be pushing for a place in the XI as we approach a difficult fixture in south London.