Erik ten Hag insists Alejandro Garnacho can become a world-class player | OneFootball

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has insisted that Alejandro Garnacho can become a world-class player if he continues to work hard and play at a consistent level.

Erik ten Hag spoke to the media ahead of United’s second Premier League match of the 2024/25 Premier League season against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex.

During his presser, one of the players that was talked about was Garnacho and according to the United boss, the Argentina international has everything it takes to make it at the highest level in football.

When asked what Garnacho needs to do to show that his a world-class player, Ten Hag replied, “Ah, you are going very quickly. World-class player, then he has to go a long way.”

“He has high potential, 100 per cent. He showed last season he can contribute, he can be a starting XI player. But to make the jump to become a world-class player, a long way to go and it starts with very hard work.”

“That brought him where he is now and that will bring him to that world-class player because – and that is what I agree – he has the potential (to become).”

“I agree we need but I think every club in the top needs players with, let’s say, the X factor. Garnacho definitely has it in him to become a player.”

“We already have seen on occasions that he has shown this X factor, but also others in our squad already have shown it. So, if you want to be really that player where your colleague is talking about ‘world-class’ then you have to do it consistently.”

The Dutchman reiterated that due to matchday squad size restrictions, players have to accept the reality of not enjoying key roles in the team or else they will just have to deal with it another way. He remarked, “Exactly. You have to accept. Then make sure you are in the first XI, make sure you are in the first 20. You have to prove it, so show it every day on the training pitch and of course, in every minute you can get.”

“It is not only about the starters, it’s also about the finishers. So, I was very pleased last week that two players are coming on, Zirkzee and Garnacho, and making the difference – one gave the assist, the other makes the goal.”

“That is what we need throughout the whole season. You don’t win with 11 players. In games but also between games, you need more than 11 players to win the football games.”

Another star Ten Hag opened up on was Kobbie Mainoo. On Mainoo’s responsibilities in the middle of the park, Ten Hag told reporters, “I think yeah, he collected such good experiences [with England] and those experiences will only help him become a better player, 100 per cent. Where do I see him? A midfielder. A perfect midfielder is one who is very good in attacking and very good in defending.”

“He is a player who can do it, and he can play as an attacking midfielder and as a holding midfielder. We have to see from situation to situation, occasion to occasion, who is available. And also look to opponents, where we can hurt the opponent or where we can take a strength from the opponent out.”

On Mason Mount, Ten Hag explained that the England international’s versatility is a blessing but going forward, he will be deployed mostly in advanced positions.

United vs. Brighton kicks off at 12:30 BST.

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