The raw talent and potential of Alejandro Garnacho are well known to Manchester United. There has been discussion about a new contract for almost a year.
Since Garnacho's stunning second-half double in the FA Youth Cup final last May, the teenager has been recognized as a valuable asset for the future. The Red Devils have a long history of producing talented young wingers, with Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, and most recently Marcus Rashford bursting out of the academy.
Finding Garnacho the ideal contract, however—one that recognizes his extraordinary talent while still keeping him grounded—is crucial, so it makes sense that United would be cautious when negotiating the terms of his agreement.
Since his arrival at Old Trafford last summer, Erik ten Hag has made it quite apparent that mindset is the key to success.
Last season, the nature of Ralf Rangnick's temporary position nearly prompted the players to let their guard down in terms of discipline, much like students under the guidance of a sub. The Dutchman then put a lot of effort into getting the dressing room back in order.
After Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive and damning interview in November, Old Trafford's management wisely supported Ten Hag, cutting ties with the Portuguese superstar ahead of the World Cup. Their confidence has already been rewarded with trophies.
Ten Hag made an example of Ronaldo since the forward's attitude didn't fulfill his expectations, demonstrating that no one is bigger than the team.
Rashford, the disciplinarian's best player, was benched shortly after the Premier League resumed because he was late for a team meeting. Since publicly endorsing the punishment, Rashford has prospered as one of Ten Hag's favorite players, scoring 18 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions.
The Manchester United manager, who has a history of dragging the 18-year-old back down to earth following each of his great performances, has been critical of Garnacho's mentality on a frequent basis.
In the Europa League in November of last year, Garnacho made a promising full debut against FC Sheriff. A week later, the 53-year-old coach gave him another chance against Real Sociedad. Yet, he did hint that the winger's attitude had been subpar off the field.
Garnacho gives us more choices up front; he's progressing really well,' he stated after the teenager scored the game-winning goal in United's 1-0 triumph. "I hope he can maintain this frame of mind." It's a good process because when he is trustworthy, you can see that he poses a threat because he can create, make crucial passes, and score goals.
It was excellent that Garnacho came on and showed that performance and had that impact in the game, to be able to assist, make the dribbles, and run behind,' Ten Hag added later that month, after Garnacho's productive second-half cameo inspired United to a 4-2 win over Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
That relies on his strategy and disposition. Indeed, it is conceivable for him to play more if he continues to work. He strives for daily improvement. He needs to lead a morally upright life. He is capable of it.
As Garnacho was elevated to the senior team last summer, the management soon became aware of his bad attitude. The Argentine was absent from two preseason squad meetings and did not participate in a single game while the Red Devils were on their tour of Thailand and Australia.
Ten Hag cautioned the adolescent about his look in and around the training camp before they took off because he was routinely observed at Carrington with his socks down and laces unfastened.
Even though Garnacho has continued to stir up controversy both on and off the field, the manager has since noted, albeit hesitantly, that the player's attitude has improved since the beginning of the year.
Last month, after United defeated Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate in the Europa League, the Madrid-born star appeared to mock Pedri with a post-match celebration. This infuriated Barcelona's players and supporters.
Garnacho was criticized by the Spanish media for copying the injured midfielder's signature glasses celebration and publishing a picture of it on social media with the caption: "The big team went to the next round." Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has since called him out for it.
Young players struggle to advance in football without modesty and humility, the center back said.
"I respect everyone, and I believe that humility comes before all else." Everyone has the right to express themselves however they see fit, but I prefer to keep a low profile and demonstrate my abilities on the field,' Araujo said in response to a question about the youngster's celebration earlier this month.
He is still extremely young and has a long way to go, but this is football. You must proceed in dignity and calm.
Garnacho was poised for a protracted period on the sidelines, out of sight and out of the headlines, due to his current injury, which resulted from the ankle ligament damage he sustained in United's 0-0 draw with Southampton earlier this month.
Young players are now only a button click away from the spotlight in the modern world of social media, which is a problem for strict coaches like Ten Hag. As a result, Garnacho once more found himself in hot water from the comfort of his own home.
Last weekend, the starlet posted on Instagram to wish United luck in their FA Cup quarterfinal match against Fulham. After quickly taking down the post and uploading a nearly identical copy, he realized that he had accidentally exposed what appeared to be an illegal vape on his sofa.
According to a source close to Garnacho, the green "Elux Legend 3500," which is five times the UK's legal size, belonged to a family member rather than him and was not his.
The message was discovered by vigilant followers and undoubtedly brought to Ten Hag's attention because it was visible on Garnacho's page for a while before being immediately removed.
If Garnacho continues to annoy Ten Hag with his lack of self-control, his playing time can drop off quite quickly. Given his extraordinary potential, a permanent transfer away from Old Trafford is undoubtedly off the table, but the team might be persuaded to let the teenager go on loan, especially if Ten Hag wishes to temporarily remove his erratic personality from the locker room.
Garnacho will believe that remaining around will give him the best chance to succeed Rashford in securing a regular first team berth. If he doesn't win the manager over in the long run, the winger may find himself surplus to needs as he competes for a berth on the flanks with high-profile newcomers Jadon Sancho and Antony.
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