After Manchester United defeated Chelsea, Paul Scholes praised Alejandro Garnacho, saying the winger was “the best player on the pitch” that evening.
After a challenging week for the team and manager Erik ten Hag, United defeated Mauricio Pochettino’s team 2-1 thanks to two goals from Scott McTominay.
Garnacho turned in another fine performance
The Argentina international has been the club’s bright spark in recent weeks, scoring a sensational bicycle kick against Everton before getting on the scoresheet again against Galatasaray last week.
After a dismal defeat to Newcastle United at the weekend, ten Hag made changes in attack with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial dropped to the bench with Antony and Rasmus Hojlund coming in.
Garnacho kept his place in the side, tormenting Chelsea down the left wing on Wednesday evening.
While McTominay was named man of the match after scoring his fifth and sixth goals of the season, Scholes suggested the young winger was perhaps more deserving of the award after ‘going up another level’ against Chelsea.
‘I thought Garnacho was excellent,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions. ‘I thought he was probably the best player on the pitch.
‘I know Scott scored two goals and got player of the match but I thought Garnacho was excellent and he went up another level tonight.’
From the start of the match until the final whistle, the Argentine player created an energetic performance, motivating Man Utd’s attack.
The winger completed 31 out of 39 passes with 79% accuracy, owning a total of 68 touches and 3 key passes. During his participation, Garnacho made 6 crosses, 8 shots with 1 ball hitting the target and 2 shots blocked by the opponent.
He was also the one who sent the perfect cross only for Scott McTominay to score the goal that sealed the final 2-1 victory. If he had been more decisive in the subsequent quick counterattack, Garnacho might have put his name on the scoreboard. However, overall, the young Argentine star still deserves praise after this match.
United have faced reports of discontent at the club but picked up a hugely valuable win ahead of a run of games that could define their season.
They host in-form Bournemouth on Saturday before their final Champions League group game against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. United then head to Liverpool a week on Sunday.
Having got back to winning ways, ten Hag thanked supporters for remaining on side.
‘I am used to it. Every time. I have to say, even in bad times, the fans and the crowd are behind us,; he said.
‘They are supporting use and we have to please them. We have to give everything we have, as a team, it is what they can expect from us. So we have to co-operate and we have to give the best we can.’
