Erik ten Hag believes one Manchester United player still needs to work on the defensive side of his game, despite his ‘fantastic’ contributions going forward.
It’s been a difficult week for Manchester United who are recovering from two trips to London in which they should have got six points but left with just one.
Erik ten Hag’s side were leading matches against Brentford and Chelsea deep into added time but couldn’t see out their wins due to shambolic defending.
United were fortunate not to get battered by the Bees but actually played well against Chelsea, fighting back from two down and playing some nice attacking football.
Yet their same old frailties haunted them once again and now they must face Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag names a player who can still get better
Alejandro Garnacho showed great composure and bravery with his brace against Chelsea and was let down by his teammates.
However, while Ten Hag has sung his praises he does believe the Argentine can improve the defensive side of his game.
Speaking to United’s in-house media, the manager said: “His progress is fantastic.
“No doubt that there are many challenges still for him where he has to improve.
“For instance, in defending he can do things a lot more better.
“But nevertheless, the progress he’s made, the impact he has on our game is fantastic.”
Another area Alejandro Garnacho can improve
Aside from perhaps Kobbie Mainoo, Garnacho has been United’s player of the season.
The teenage duo have been a shining light in an otherwise dreary campaign and the rest of the team have already begun to rely on its youngest members.
No outfielder has played more games this season for United than Garnacho as he’s somehow played the same number of games as ever-present Bruno Fernandes with 40.
The 19-year-old is one of the few to be unscathed by the continued injury crisis and has a return of nine goals and four assists so far.
If there’s another area he can improve on it’s his decision-making when in possession.
Though clinician in the box, when on the ball in build-up play he can often run down dark allies and lose possession, rather than releasing the ball earlier and passing on to a teammate.
Perhaps he feels responsibility to make things happen, but he can’t do it alone. That will come with experience.