Alejandro Garnacho is a special talent, everyone knows that. What not everyone knew, however (and possibly not even himself), was that Garnacho was capable of scoring a goal as, quite frankly, unbelievable as the one he nestled into the top corner at Goodison Park. The 19-year-old scored one of the greatest goals in Premier League history.
At a fervent Goodison Park, Manchester United would have to do something special to silence the atmosphere of the buoyant crowded, noisier than ever out of protest for their ten-point deduction. That something special came in the third minute thanks to Alejandro Garnacho.
Victor Lindelof sprayed a sublime crossfield pass to Marcus Rashford on the right-wing who slipped the ball down the line to overlapping Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese right-back looked up once and whipped in a slightly lopsided cross towards the box. The ball was set to land two metres behind the onrushing Garnacho who decided to improvise. The Argentinian ran backwards and, on almost the edge of the area, leapt into the air with a bicycle motion and the poise of a ballerina. His right foot kissed the speeding, spinning ball and it flew into the far corner, past a helpless Jordan Pickford. The animated Everton fans were silenced, if not awestruck. The Manchester United fans became rapturous. Garnacho, almost surprised himself, emulated his idol Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark ‘SIU’ celebration and let the crowd appreciate his magic.
I’ll let you watch the goal. Even having watched it 50 times, I’m still astounded. Take your time, it’s a work of art.
After Garnacho did the ‘SIU’, he proceeded to shrug his shoulders as if this was normal for him. The truth is, a player of Garnacho’s quality, it really could be.
WHAT A GOAL 🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 26, 2023
Garnacho scores a Rooney-esque goal against Everton in the 2nd minute of the game 🤯
Will he become a United legend with this form? 👀#Garnacho #United #Everton #PremierLeague #365Scores pic.twitter.com/11qlb2JDC8
Alejandro Garnacho’s footballing journey started in the bustling streets of Madrid and quickly after he started playing football, Cristiano Ronaldo became his idol.
At the age of 11, Garnacho caught the eye of Atletico Madrid scouts with his remarkable technical ability, quick feet, and an instinctive understanding of the game. His five years of standout performances at the academy soon attracted attention beyond Madrid. Manchester United’s chief scout in Spain, Gerardo Guzman, identified Garnacho as a prospect brimming with potential. In 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic and at the ripe age of just 15, the Argentine prodigy made the life-altering decision to move to England and join the revered Manchester United Academy, leaving behind his home, family, and country to pursue his footballing aspirations.
The transition to United was a pivotal moment in Garnacho’s young career. Adapting to a new country, language, and footballing culture posed challenges, but his undeniable talent and unwavering determination helped him settle quickly. His technical prowess, versatility across the forward line, and a sharp eye for goal soon made him a standout player within the academy ranks.
It was midway through the 2021/22 season when Garnacho started to capture the attention of the wider footballing world. In an FA Youth Cup match with United’s U18s, Garnacho dashed past the poor Everton right-back with such speed that he was seen clasping his hamstring as he tried to keep up. The winger proceeded to dash all the way to the opposition box and smash the ball into the net. He was subsequently rewarded his Premier League debut against Chelsea where he got to rub shoulders with his idol, Ronaldo, on the pitch for the first time. His top performances continued and in the final at Old Trafford against Wolves, he scored twice, almost signalling his completion of the junior game and that he was primed to play on the biggest stage.
When 2022/23 began, Garnacho was afforded more minutes and the pivotal breakthrough moment came just before the turn of the year and the break for the World Cup in Qatar. In the 90th minute, Manchester United were drawing 1-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage. Garnacho, in typical fashion, started driving with the ball from deep on the left wing. He played a one-two with Christian Eriksen and then rushed onto the Dane’s pass, nipping in between two defenders and placing it past Bernt Leno to grab all three points for United at the death. Heroic.
Garnacho’s role became more prominent once the World Cup ended. His minutes increased and he began to start some games. He scored key goals; in the FA Cup against West Ham with a beautiful curling effort and also calm and collected finishes against Leeds and Wolves to solidify wins. He chipped in with a key assist for Marcus Rashford against Manchester City to win the derby for the Red Devils. He became a man Ten Hag could trust and what’s more, he’s a man who electrifies the Old Trafford faithful.
Watching Manchester United in recent years has been drab at times, sometimes verging on intolerable. When Garnacho has been on the pitch, it is far from it. The young winger is sensational. He is exciting and he runs at defenders. He’s not scared to take on a man, or three, and he has the confidence of a seasoned veteran, despite starting less than ten Premier League games.
He enjoyed his first call-up for Argentina where he played alongside Messi and in doing so joined the elite club of players to play alongside both Ronaldo and Messi.
This season, he has matured in his game and with his girlfriend he welcomed the birth of his first child, a son named Enzo. He is settled in Manchester and in April signed a five-year contract with United.
He has all the hallmarks of a Manchester United great. If he continues to do things like he did against Everton, it won’t be long until he starts getting spoken about like one!
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott
