Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has expressed his support for Alejandro Garnacho following the criticism he has received for his poor performances.
The 20-year-old was wasteful during United’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, missing clear-cut opportunities in the game.
He has scored just two goals from 14 big chances, the lowest conversion rate of players with more than 10 big chances in the league this term.
Garnacho has bagged just three league goals, none of which has been under manager Ruben Amorim. His last goal was in the 3-0 victory over Leicester City in November.
The Argentina international has been scrutinised for his performances, but Ferdinand has leapt to his defence, stating that he remains United’s most dangerous forward.
He told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “With (Alejandro) Garnacho, people are saying, ‘You have to sell him’. He is going to generate the money.
“He is our only threat. He is our only real threat, and he runs at people. His finishing and final ball might not be as clean as it might be in two or three years with development.
“He is always running behind and looking to hurt the opponents. He doesn’t look scared.”
Man United need Garnacho to step up
While the Argentine is undisputedly one of United’s most talented players, he must improve.
Besides being wasteful, he has not been creating enough chances. Midfielder Casemiro and defender Lisandro Martinez have created more big chances than him in the league this term.
He also ranks behind Casemiro for key passes per game, which is poor considering he plays a more advanced role than his teammate.
Garnacho was one of United’s best players last season, and United need him to recapture that form quickly.
Amad Diallo’s injury is a big blow for United, and the Argentine winger needs to step up in the Ivorian’s absence.
Stats from OptaJoe, sofascore.com & transfermarkt.com.
