'Real deal' Garnacho outshines flop Antony again as Man Utd flounder
Tom Weber
- Updated: 29 Nov 2023 19:40 GMT
- 3 min read
It hasn't been an easy season for Alejandro Garnacho, but the young Argentine is already proving more valuable to Erik ten Hag than Antony.
Garnacho, like most of Man Utd's attackers, has been ineffectual for most of the season, but in recent times the youngster's impact has been quite astounding. After his Puskas-worthy overhead kick that set United on the path to victory over Everton at the weekend, the 19-year-old again opened the scoring in the Champions League against Galatasaray.
It was an all-too-familiar performance from Man Utd. Ten Hag's Red Devils looked easily frazzled by Galatasaray's intense pressure and despite some moments of brilliance from Garnacho and captain Bruno Fernandes, who scored with a spectacular strike from outside the box, United never looked in control, exemplified by Andre Onana, who had been solid in recent weeks, making two massive howlers reminiscent of earlier in the season.
It was also an all-too-familiar performance from Antony. Clive Tyldesley on CBS commentary asserted that his outing against Gala was the best he had seen of the 23-year-old this term, illustrating how far standards have dropped.
The Brazilian was once again a ghost for most of his time on the pitch and put in yet another underwhelming shift, though he did technically get a secondary assist on United's third goal. However, his actual production this season is ultimately still a grand total of zero goals and zero assists.
Garnacho praised
While Garnacho's record this term is nothing to write home about either, he does have two more goals than his €95 million counterpart on the right wing. The Argentine has been more valuable than the Brazilian so far this campaign.
Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand, who has been criticised by Garnacho's brother for 'making up' the rumour that Lionel Messi had unfollowed his international teammate on social media because of his unabashed preference for Cristiano Ronaldo, heaped praise on the youngster after his finish over the Turkish giants.
"Garnacho is the real deal, there is no doubt in my mind," said Ferdinand on TNT Sports, reacting to his opener against Galatasaray. "He has ice in his veins."
