“VIVA GARNACHO”, “Finally looking like the Theatre of Dreams”
Fans on Twitter went into a meltdown as Alejandro Garnacho and Fred scored late goals as Manchester United beat West Ham United 3-1 in the FA Cup fifth round at Old Trafford on Wednesday (March 1). The Red Devils are now in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Manager Erik ten Hag experimented with his side for the clash against the Hammers. He made quite a few changes from the team that beat Newcastle United on Sunday (February 26) in the Carabao Cup final.
United, though, found themselves behind at the start of the second half as Said Benrahma broke the deadlock in the 54th minute for the Hammers. United, though, restored parity in the 77th minute through Nayef Aguerd’s own goal. Just as it looked like that the game might head to extra time, Garnacho gave the hosts the lead in the 90th minute. The Argentine youngster curled his finish home after receiving a stray ball inside the Hammers’ area.
Fred sealed the win with his strike late in injury time. The Brazilian midfielder now has eight goal contributions in his last 11 games across competitions. The eventual scoreline of 3-1 suggest a comfortable win for the Red Devils, but the victory was anything but that.
United tweeted:
“VIVA GARNACHO!”
A fan chimed in:
“Old Trafford is finally looking like the Theatre of Dreams again.
Manchester United players had to quickly re-shift their focus after Carabao Cup win
Manchester United vs West Ham United: Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Manchester United players had little time to celebrate their first trophy under Erik ten Hag. Right after the win in the Carabao Cup final, the Red Devils had to quickly shift their attention to the FA Cup.
Ten Hag was quizzed about the quick turnaround ahead of the West Ham game. The Dutch manager replied (via United’s website):
“It’s our job; it is their job, so we don’t allow them to stay in the mood from Sunday. Sunday is history. It’s nice, memories, but if you want to perform, you have to focus on the things you have to do. You have to focus on the job.”
The FA Cup is another competition Ten Hag’s side have a chance of winning this season. They are also alive in the UEFA Europa League and trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by 11 points but have a game in hand.
Man Utd star has Ballon d’Or potential but isn’t ‘disciplined enough’, claims former Red Devils player
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Alejandro Garnacho has Ballon d’Or potential but is not “disciplined enough”, according to a former Manchester United player.
The 18-year-old has been a revelation for United this term, deputising admirably for the in-form Marcus Rashford.
Indeed, Garnacho has dazzled the Old Trafford faithful with his dribbling prowess and explosiveness, while he has also added some end product to his game, claiming three goals and five assists in his 28 Premier League outings.
However, United manager Erik ten Hag has encouraged the Argentine to be even more consistent in the final third.
Speaking after United’s 2-2 draw with Leeds last month, in which Garnacho scored, Ten Hag said: “He is doing well, he has an impact on our game, he is a threat, also [against Leeds], he had good actions, he was lively, created chances, but had to score.
“And finally, it’s about that – that you have an effect. As a striker, you have to at least be on the scoring list, the assist list, the key action list, to have the right impact.”
Garnacho has Ballon d’Or potential
Former United midfielder Paul Parker claimed Garnacho has the “potential” to become a Ballon d’Or winner, though was critical of the winger’s attitude.
Speaking to MyBettingSites (via Football365) Parker claimed: “Garnacho is way better when he is being subbed on than when he is in the starting lineup.
“It seems like he doesn’t have the energy to play 90 minutes but he is a really talented player. I would even say Ballon D’or potential but I don’t want to put too much pressure on a young lad like him. And he still has a lot to learn but he has massive potential.
“I’m very pleased that he seems to sign a new contract now, which was the right decision for him. He shouldn’t be playing for Juventus or Real Madrid, that wouldn’t make any sense.
“The fact that he now signs a new contract will also make Erik ten Hag focus a bit more on his development. He has to work with his mentality because he is not disciplined enough on and outside the pitch.”
