Rooney heaps praise on Man Utd's 'next Ronaldo'

Cameron Smith

10 Mar 2024 16:15 GMT
3 min read

Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on Red Devils wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho following his contribution during the club’s 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.

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Garnacho, 19, won two penalties in the match and was a constant threat against Sean Dyche’s side.

The Argentina international has previously been compared to ex-Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo, with Paul Scholes even admitting that Garnacho reminds him of his former Red Devils team-mate.

Garnacho has five goals and three assists in 26 Premier League appearances this season and Rooney has been mightily impressed by his performances in 2023-24.

What has Wayne Rooney said?

Rooney, Man Utd’s all-time record goalscorer, spoke about Garnacho on TNT Sports (via Metro) after the win over Everton and admitted: “I think today Garnacho was the one who made things happen. He was certainly the best player on the pitch.

“I think his work rate off the ball is fantastic, he’s not afraid to put the work in. He is going to make mistakes, he is a young player as well, he is still going to make mistakes, he’s still learning.

“But what he has got is a driving hunger which any fan wants to see in any player. I’ve been really pleased with him this season, I think he will be a special talent moving forward.

“I think his numbers, his output, his goals and assists can get better.

© IMAGO - Alejandro Garnacho (left) with Cristiano Ronaldo (right)

“He’s got the capability to do that so I think over the next few years we’ll see better numbers from him.

“But he’s still young, still learning, he’s probably been Manchester United’s best player this season.”

Only Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay have netted more than Garnacho’s five league goals this campaign in the Man Utd squad, while Bruno Fernandes is the only Red Devils star with more assists.