Alejandro Garnacho Navigates Challenges and Success Under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

Alejandro Garnacho has recently faced scrutiny due to his social media activities, yet his relationship with Manchester United‘s manager, Erik ten Hag, remains strong. Despite some controversies, Garnacho continues to be a rising star in the team, and his performance under Ten Hag has been noteworthy.

Garnacho joined Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2020. Since then, he has made significant progress under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, becoming an integral part of the first team. By 2024, he had already become one of the key players and a favorite among fans at Old Trafford.

The young Argentine started the 2024/25 season on the bench, yet quickly made a notable impact by assisting in Joshua Zirkzee‘s winning goal during Manchester United’s first league match. Although relegated to the bench again following a home defeat, it was reportedly due to tactical reasons rather than his social media conduct.

Despite controversies, such as liking a critical post about Ten Hag, Garnacho has managed to impress on the field. His recent performances include scoring as a substitute against Southampton and contributing significantly in a victory over Barnsley in the EFL Cup. Such achievements highlight his growing importance in the squad.

Notably, Garnacho’s social media activity has previously resulted in internal actions by the club. For instance, he apologized after expressing support for negative comments regarding his substitution during a match earlier this year. Despite these incidents, Erik ten Hag continues to support Garnacho, recognizing both his potential and his contribution to the team.

Over time, Garnacho has worked on improving his discipline and attitude, which included addressing certain behaviors flagged by his manager, such as arriving late during tours. Ten Hag’s guidance and expectations have seemingly played a significant role in advancing Garnacho’s development both as a player and individual.

Erik ten Hag has high expectations for Garnacho, challenging him to attain world-class standards. Last season, Garnacho scored ten goals and provided five assists, but Ten Hag emphasizes the need for consistency to reach an elite level. His performances often draw comparisons to legendary players, highlighting his innate “X-factor.”

Currently leading Manchester United as the top scorer, Garnacho’s contributions are vital to the team’s success. As the team prepares for their upcoming fixture, Erik ten Hag is hopeful that Garnacho continues his impressive form, contributing further to Manchester United’s pursuits this season.