Alejandro Garnacho was only too eager to forget an inauspicious moment in his Manchester United match against Fulham on Friday night, after which team-mate Marcus Rashford had to speak to the youngster at full-time at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford later seen telling Garnacho “don’t worry” after the winger’s horror miss for Manchester United against Fulham. Garnacho had been given a half-hour run-out from the bench, and began well by making a telling contribution when his cross was turned home by Joshua Zirkzee for the winner. However what had begun as joy soon turned to embarrassment with the winger firing wide of an open goal when he was presented with a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 for the Red Devils.
The Argentina international looked visibly upset at full-time, having had not too much time to reflect on his miss. However, Rashford was quick to step in and console his team-mate.
This was the second consecutive season where United have begun the campaign with a 1-0 win. Last season’s opening weekend victory over Wolves was followed up thereafter by a tricky run, and manager Erik ten Hag will be eagerly nursing that things will turn out much better this time out.
Speaking to the media after the win, the United gaffer explained Garnacho and Zirkzee started on the bench because their international efforts had resulted in them linking up with the squad later than the others. Garnacho was part of Argentina’s Copa America winning squad, while Zirkzee was with the Netherland team as they reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
“I explained the same about Zirkzee, it is the same about Alejandro, you saw his background, he played in an FA Cup final and then in Copa America,” Ten Hag said. “He had one game and then he had his break. He needed a break and we had to bring him into the tour.
“Fitness-wise, it would have been the best decision to be in the tour, to work on his fitness. After a long season as a young player, he needed a break. He came late into pre-season and we have players in wide areas who have performed very well. That is why he started on the bench.”
Fulham boss Marco Silva was convinced the game could have gone the other way. His Fulham side won at Old Trafford last season, but were unable to repeat the feat this time around.
“There were chances for Man United, we had some moments too, two against one, with Andreas Pereira and Alex (Iwobi) against Maguire that we should have done much better,” he said.
“Four against two, three against two, so many counter attacks that with better decision, we have to create clear chances in that moment.
“In the last 10-15, minutes, the game went in the direction that we knew and the players, they were aware that you cannot let the game go in the emotional part. We know that is the part of the game where Man United are normal and they can punish, because the game is completely broken. If you keep your organisation and you are well organised, it is much more difficult for them.”