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Manchester Evening News

Alejandro Garnacho has given Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim exactly what he wanted

Ruben Amorim was delighted with Alejandro Garnacho's performance for Man United against Arsenal on Sunday.

Alejandro Garnacho receives advice from Ruben Amorim from the touchline.
Ruben Amorim is pleased with Alejandro Garnacho's upturn in performance levels.(Image: Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images.)

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim paid homage to Alejandro Garnacho following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford, insisting his performance was his "best" since taking charge in November.

For the second game running, Garnacho started as the right-sided No.10 and played a role in helping United make the breakthrough. He drew the foul from Leanrdo Trossard that allowed Bruno Fernandes to step up and fire in a superb free-kick.


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Despite being without a direct goal contribution (goal or assist) in the Premier League in his last 16 games, United remain more threatening when he is on the pitch.

It was his all-round game that no doubt caught Amorim's eye on Sunday - and the statistics make it easy to understand why. The Argentine completed 89 per cent of his attempted passes, won seven of his 10 ground duels, won three tackles and produced one clearance. He also got himself into dangerous positions that led to chances being created, particularly in the second half.

"We have some good players for the transition like Garnacho," Amorim said. "I think with Garnacho, and we're always talking about Garnacho, he defended really well and attacked really well.


"I think it was the best game of Garnacho since I've been here. He's improving and we understood the plan quite well."

Garnacho's contributions in both phases of the game on Sunday were worthy of recognition. He has started the last two games as the right-sided No.10, meaning he has had to adjust to another new role, but he has risen to the challenge, with his performance against Arsenal a well-rounded showing.

In Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system, everyone is expected to offer a strong work ethic and work tirelessly for the team. Garnacho's contributions on Sunday suggest he has subscribed to that expectation.


Alejandro Garnacho comes forward with the ball for Manchester United against Arsenal.
Alejandro Garnacho has been a regular threat for Manchester United in recent weeks.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images.)

Garnacho, of course, was left out of the squad for the Manchester derby win over City in December and Amorim praised the winger at the end of January for the way he had "changed everything" since that eyebrow-raising omission.

"He changed right away since that game against City," said Amorim. "The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games.

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"He changed in everything: the approach when you talk with him, the way he recovers. He understands that sometimes I'm a different coach, that I am demanding in my way and sometimes it's hard with the first impact because it's a different kind of coach.

"He understands that it is never in a bad way, it's always for him, but I am different person. I think all the merit (goes to) Garnacho. He is improving and we want to continue to improve with Garnacho."

The Portuguese chief's post-match comments on Sunday suggest his improvement is only growing.

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