Alejandro Garnacho has the 'X-factor' to be world class

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag thinks “hard work” is needed if Alejandro Garnacho is to be world class but is convinced the Argentine midfielder has the right “X-factor” about him.

After the original campaign in 2023/24, Garnacho has yet to start for United so far this season – the result of a delayed summer break due to his involvement with Argentina in the Copa America.

But the 20-year-old played off the bench in every game and made a huge impact.

He scored what looked like a late winner in the Community Shield before Manchester City grabbed a late equalizer to force penalties and take the trophy that way. Garnacho then set up Joshua Zirkzee's winner against Fulham in last Friday's Premier League opener, before looking set to put United 2-1 up against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Cruel to Garnacho, United and Zirkzee, the Dutchman appeared again to turn the ball into the net, only to be flagged for offside and lead to the winner being sent off.

Once Garnacho is back in the starting XI, he has the potential to make United fire. But Ten Hag, who was talking about this player before the Brighton game, does not want to get carried away.

“Go quickly [to add this label] world class player: he has to go a long way. He is very talented, he showed last season that he can contribute and be a starter. “Making the jump and becoming a world-class player starts with hard work,” explains Ten Hag.

“That has brought him to where he is and that will bring him to that world-class player, I agree that he has the ability.

“All top clubs need players with X-factor. We have seen from time to time that he has shown the X-factor, so if you want to be the player that people say is world class, you have to do that. you always have that ability.”

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