Erik ten Hag hints at new Manchester United attack after Alejandro Garnacho performance
27.12.2023 - 06:09
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hinted Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford could be accommodated in the same attack for the foreseeable future.
Garnacho scored twice and was a constant threat in a man-of-the-match performance in United's uplifting 3-2 comeback victory against Aston Villa.
Rashford was recalled to the starting line-up for the first time in six games and started in his favoured role on the left-hand side as Garnacho switched to the right to start there for the first time in the first team.
Garnacho, 19, has now started 13 consecutive games and he is United's joint-second top scorer this season with five goals - as many as he managed last season.
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"Previously as well, he was almost more comfortable on the left but I think he can play on the right as well," Ten Hag said. "Today, I think he was on that right side over 90 minute an absolute threat, scored twice.
"But I think the whole frontline played very good. They invested so much in the runs behind, the timings were so good and it was continuing a threat for the opponent."
Although Rashford is still without a goal from open play since September 3, he assisted Garnacho's first to spark United's comeback.
Rashford received a warm ovation when he was forced off with an apparent injury in the 80th minute, having been subjected to sardonic cheers when he was substituted in the derby defeat to City in October.
"I think he (Rashford) played very good but he was ill during the period," Ten Hag said of Rashford's time out of the team. "Also, he had one or two games that we prefer to play Garnacho over the left side