Alejandro Garnacho has pledged his future to Manchester United and is now on the verge of breaking one of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo`s records.
The Argentine winger downplayed comparisons to Ronaldo despite being close to matching one of the Portuguese legend`s notable achievements.
However, he understands that such comparisons are likely to continue throughout his time at United.
Notably, Ronaldo assisted Garnacho`s first senior goal for the Red Devils in November 2022.
Following Ronaldo`s departure from Old Trafford a few weeks later, United fans quickly adopted his chant for Garnacho.
It seems, however, that Garnacho embraces this connection.
He has consistently named the Real Madrid icon as the greatest player ever, even while playing internationally alongside Lionel Messi.
Garnacho himself described the experience of playing alongside Ronaldo for the first time against Sheriff Tiraspol as a dream.
Rumours, which Garnacho later denied, suggested he had snubbed Messi during Argentina`s Copa America celebrations due to his strong admiration for Ronaldo.
Further highlighting his admiration, Garnacho replicated Ronaldo`s iconic celebration after scoring an overhead kick against Everton and was seen wearing CR7-branded underwear during a match against Wigan.
With these actions, it`s clear he is motivated by his idol, and he`s now in a position to surpass a specific record.
Ronaldo accumulated 25 goal involvements (goals + assists) in the Premier League for United before turning 21. Following his goal in Sunday`s game against Brentford, Garnacho is now just one involvement shy of matching this mark.
With three Premier League matches remaining before his 21st birthday in July, this record is well within his reach.
Appearing relaxed at a recent press conference, Garnacho displayed a tattoo of his son Enzo`s name on his hand.
He commented:
“I’m not focused on the numbers.
“When Cristiano played here, he was a different footballer, and the games were different types.
“I just try to help the team and win games.
“Regarding missed chances and so on, all the strikers are training very hard, and I believe we are improving. We will aim to perform better.”
Earlier this season, there were concerns that Garnacho might follow Ronaldo out of Old Trafford.
He reportedly struggled in the initial weeks under Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim and was dropped from the squad before the Manchester derby in December for disciplinary reasons.
He has since regained the manager`s favour but has yet to reach double digits for combined goals and assists this season.
Garnacho explained:
“My first two months, November and December, were very difficult for me, but my mentality is to keep working, keep trying, and show the manager and staff that I should be playing.
“Obviously, we have to work hard to get into the squad, and then I have to train well every day and be available for all the games.
“I talk a lot with Rasmus Hojlund. We try to help each other.
“Sometimes, playing on the wing is difficult, but we work hard, try harder every game to convert more of these chances, and the team will improve if we score more goals.”
Garnacho acknowledged it took time to adjust to Amorim`s preferred 3-4-3 formation.
He stated:
“It`s difficult for everyone when a new manager arrives mid-season and we change formation.
“But we just need to improve daily. Naturally, the manager understands the players` characteristics.
“What we try to do depends on the players available, and we are also improving as a team.”
Garnacho impressed in the 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames last week, which secured a strong advantage.
He has called upon his teammates to complete the job at Old Trafford and approach the Europa League semi-final second leg with the correct mindset.
Winning the Europa League would not only secure a European trophy but also guarantee United a spot in next season`s Champions League, a significant boost for the club.
This would also mean Garnacho featuring in a competition frequently illuminated by a certain 40-year-old veteran Portuguese winger.
The Argentina international added:
“We know we aren`t performing brilliantly in the Premier League, but as the manager said, we follow the rules, and for us, tomorrow is a final.
“We will approach the game as if it`s 0-0 and aim to win the match itself, not just secure the tie`s progression.
“If we win the Europa League, we`ll be in the Champions League, and then we can approach next season with a better mentality and in a different manner.”
Going Nowhere
Garnacho intends to remain at United this summer.
Despite concerns that the club might sell him for financial reasons, Garnacho maintains he is happy at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Amorim has stated that captain Bruno Fernandes is not for sale, despite renewed interest from Saudi Arabia.
Both players have been crucial to United`s progress towards the Europa League final.
Garnacho commented:
“As a footballer, you will always hear rumours about the future.
“But I have a contract here until 2028, so I am happy here.”
However, a substantial offer for Garnacho could still be tempting for United, despite his recent improved form.
As a homegrown player, his sale would significantly help the club comply with the Premier League`s profit and sustainability rules.
In contrast, Fernandes has consistently been considered one of the few United players deemed not for sale.
Al Hilal is reportedly preparing a lucrative £1 million-a-week offer to attract the Portuguese playmaker to the Middle East.
However, Fernandes signed a new contract with United last year and is among a select group of players the club considers non-transferable.
He demonstrated his value last week with two goals that gave the Red Devils a strong lead heading into the Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao.
Amorim commented:
“I think his importance is easily understood – not just by the statistics but by his style of play and the significance he has had during his five years here.
“He is a top player; we need top players. He is a leader, he is the captain, so he is very important.
“It`s normal that many clubs would want a player like Bruno, like Garnacho, and others.
“But we want to keep our best players, and Bruno is clearly one of the top players globally, so our position hasn`t changed.
“We want Bruno here.”
