Football News Update: Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and More
Erik ten Hag believes Alejandro Garnacho has a “long way” to go to become a world-class player, but the Manchester United manager is adamant the forward has the “X-factor” to achieve this status.
Garnacho, one of three United players (alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund) deemed untouchable this summer, scored 10 goals across all competitions last season as he cemented his place in the first team. However, according to Ten Hag, the 20-year-old still has work to do to reach the pinnacle of the game.
“You go very quickly [to put this] – world-class player: he has to go a long way,” said the Dutchman. “He has high potential, he showed last season he can contribute and be a starting player. To make the jump and become a world-class player, it starts with very hard work. That brought him to where he is now, and that will bring him to that world-class player, I agree he has the potential.”
Ten Hag emphasized the importance of having players with the “X-factor” at the top level, and he believes Garnacho has displayed that quality on numerous occasions. However, the manager stressed that the youngster must deliver that level of performance consistently to be considered a true world-class talent.
Mainoo, another United prospect, has also caught the attention of Ten Hag. The 18-year-old midfielder was a first-choice player for England’s Euro 2024 campaign, starting the 2-1 final loss to Spain and the semi-final victory over the Netherlands. Ten Hag believes these experiences will greatly benefit Mainoo’s development.
“He collected such good experiences, and those will help him to become a better player, 100%,” said the United boss. “Where do I see him? The perfect midfielder is one who is very good in attacking, very good in defending. He as a player can do that. He can play as an attacking midfielder and also as a holding midfielder.”
As the new season approaches, the focus shifts to the upcoming Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and Women’s World Cup, as well as domestic competitions such as the Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup. Football fans around the world eagerly await the action-packed months ahead, with teams and players battling for glory on the global stage.
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