Erik ten Hag backs Alejandro Garnacho after online criticism

Erik ten Hag has defended Alejandro Garnacho following criticism of {the teenager}’s efficiency within the 2-2 draw with Leeds United.

Garnarcho, who began the sport however was substituted after 59 minutes with Leeds main 2-0, confronted criticism online after being partly at fault for the guests’ second aim.

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But Ten Hag stated he’s not nervous in regards to the 18-year-old’s type and insisted the critics have gotten it improper.

“I think he is doing well, he has an impact on our game,” Ten Hag stated. “I think he is a threat, [against Leeds] he had good actions, he was lively, created chances, but had to score.

“And lastly, it is about that, that you’ve an impact. As a striker, it’s a must to not less than be on the scoring record, the help record, key motion record to have the appropriate influence.

“As a United player, we expect you to have an impact to influence the score, to influence the result, to positively influence the game by scoring goals and having an assist.”

Garnacho is having fun with a formidable breakthrough season at Old Trafford, making 22 appearances in all competitions and scoring two targets.

He scored a last-minute winner in opposition to Fulham in November and got here near incomes a spot in Argentina’s World Cup squad.

United are in talks about extending his contract, and Ten Hag stated he’s already proven that he has the arrogance to make the grade.

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“He’s quite emotional, that is his strength, he brings to his game, he wants to win, he wants to play football, he doesn’t want to miss any minute and I think that is a good thing,” Ten Hag added.

“He’s totally convinced about himself, that is a good thing, you need that in the biggest stress fractures that you have to perform and he is doing and he wants to contribute to the end.

“But he accepts selections and the workforce is all the time above all the things and I believe he is aware of that. When he’s coming off, that emotion, that frustration is just not in opposition to that, that he is not accepting it.”

Garnacho is set to play a key role during the next week with both Anthony Martial and Antony recovering from injury.

Ten Hag is not expecting either player back for the trip to Leeds on Sunday and they remain doubts for the Europa League clash with Barcelona at Camp Nou on Thursday.

“I do not anticipate [to have Martial or Antony available against Leeds] however now we have some days,” Ten Hag said.

“I am unable to say for 100% [they will miss Barcelona] however I do not anticipate [they will be back].

“It’s a tough season, with the World Cup in between and a lot of load, overload, from the players, that’s quite clear. That process is already longer term coming on, that the load on the players is too much.”