‘One of the only’: Former Man United star compares £42m ace with Nani after shock January exit links | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of star Alejandro Garnacho.

Roy Keane stated that it suits Garnacho to come off the bench and make an impact but he doesn’t trust him when he starts the game.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand presents, the centre-back praised the young attacker.

He said: “I don’t think his [Garnacho] stats are unbelievable this season but in terms of impacting the game and putting the other team on the back foot, he is probably one of the only players who does it in our team.

“He has got that belief and character that says I should be here and I should be playing. Give me the ball at all times.

“And in the situation right now where there are a lot of players shying away from the ball when the team aren’t doing well, he stands out like a sore form in that respect.

“He reminds me of Nani, not the way he plays at all but as per the certain characteristics and personality.

“These players grow into that when given the time. Comments like that when you say he can’t be trusted… that’s a big comment for a young kid.”

Garnacho has been very lively lately

It was a shock when Garnacho was linked with an exit just last month.

The 20-year-old may have struggled through a difficult first half of the 2024/25 season, but that’s a sentiment shared by much of the squad.

Despite the challenges, the £42 million-rated star has still managed to rack up eight goals and six assists in 37 appearances.

Amorim took the bold decision to drop him from the squad that faced Manchester City late last year.

The youngster reacted positively to that call and made a swift return to the side, unlike Marcus Rashford who is now spending the remainder of the campaign on loan at Aston Villa.

In the past month, his performances have been nothing less than electrifying.

He has been a game-changer, delivering crucial moments against Rangers, Fulham, and especially in the recent 2-1 FA Cup comeback over Leicester City.

Ferdinand is spot on with his analysis that if Garnacho were not a United player, the club would be racing to bring him in.

Though still erratic due to his youth, the sky’s the limit for the starlet.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .