Manchester United entered the game at Brentford looking to maintain momentum after a spectacular win over Liverpool.
After a sensational FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool, Manchester United players probably needed a couple of days to catch their breath.
What they didn’t need was an international break, and in the cases of some players, jaunts across the world to play in meaningless friendlies.
This completely disrupted United’s momentum, and the team were left trying to recapture it against Brentford… unsuccessfully.
Alejandro Garnacho should have been left out
One player who has been indispensable to Manchester United this season isAlejandro Garnacho. The teenager is the only player to so far feature in ever single Red Devils squad in 2023/24.
He was also the only player to play a friendly match on last Wednesday, with Argentina’s game against Costa Rice kicking off at 2.50am UK time.
Garnacho started that game,playing 70 minutes on his first ever start for his country.
He was pictured back at Carrington on Thursday, and was thrown straight back into United’s starting line-up against Brentford.
Of course, it was tempting to select him. He was involved in three of United’s four goals against Liverpool and has been excellent throughout the season, But he’s also on a bit of a lean streak despite his performance levels being good, without a goal since his brace against West Ham when Lisandro Martinez got injured.
Garnacho got no closer against Brentford. He was hooked off after 59 minutes after failing to make an impact.
Garnacho numbers v Brentford
Alejandro Garnacho failed to make an impact in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Brentford.
- Touches: 25
- Chances Created: 0
- Shots: 0
Garnacho needed a rest, and United had options
Alejandro Garnacho should have been rested for this game, with Manchester United also set to face Chelsea and Liverpool during the next week. He had little turnaround for this one, with Erik ten Hag putting the 19-year-old in a tough spot. Kobbie Mainoo was another one who might have needed a rest.
Even thoughAmad was suspended, United had alternatives on the wing and did not have to go with Garnacho.
Antony did not play at all in the international break and it would have made more sense to use him, and then utilise Garnacho as a late substitute, rather than the other way around.
United also could have utilisedMason Mount out wide, or centrally and played Fernandes there. It didn’t have to be Garnacho.
There was a lot not to like about United’s performance, particularly the failure to hold onto the lead late on. But Ten Hag set the wrong tone with his team selection, failing to select a fresh side, with Garnacho set up to fail.