The astounding overhead kick understandably drew comparisons with similar strikes by former United legends Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester United continued their recent purple patch in the Premier League with a resounding 3-0 win away to Everton. It was a much-needed three points for the Red Devils as they maintained their top four push in the league. There were plenty of positives from the game but the standout moment was the stunning opener scored by Alejandro Garnacho. The astounding overhead kick understandably drew comparisons with similar strikes by former United legends Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rooney famously scored a goal in similar fashion against Manchester City in 2011 and Ronaldo did something similar for Real Madrid against Juventus in the 2017-18 season. After the Premier League win over Everton, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was asked whether Garnacho can go on the same route as the two club legends. “Don’t compare, I don’t think it’s right,” ten Hag, quoted by the club’s website, in his post-match press conference.
He added: “They all have their own identity, but for Garnacho to go that way, he still has a lot to come. He has to work very hard, and you have to do it on a consistent basis. So far, he’s not, but he definitely has high potential and [is able] to do some amazing things. And it’s not the first time we saw this [talent], we have already seen glimpses.”
While Ten Hag believes the young winger has incredible potential, he also had a few words of advice for Garnacho if he wants to reach the heights set by Rooney and Ronaldo. “But what I say, if you want to be a player like you mentioned, like Rooney, Ronaldo, you have to score 20, 25 goals in the Premier League, and that’s not easy to get. You have to work very hard. You have to go in areas where it hurts. And so, [there is] a lot to come, but he has potential,” he explained.
There was a lot to admire about the goal. The overall build-up was a treat to watch, as Man United beautifully worked the ball around to create that opportunity. It was something ten Hag liked a lot. “I think we scored a great goal and not only the finish was incredible, fantastic, but also the way we attacked them, how we speeded up. The switch of play from Victor [Lindelof] to [Marcus] Rashford, the overlap, the cross. So [it was] very good. This season [there are] still many games to play, but [it is] probably already maybe the Goal of the Season. And as I said before, not only the finish [pleased me]. I think it was total from the back to the end, but the finish is incredible,” he added.
More Football Stories:
Wataru Endo news: Why did the Japanese midfielder decide to join Liverpool in the summer?
Manchester United news: How can the Red Devils turn their season around? Scott McTominay responds
Premier League: Which players have scored the most goals in a single season?
EPL stats: Which clubs have conceded the most last-minute winners in Premier League?
EPL stats: Which clubs have scored the most number of last-minute winners in Premier League?
How long will Kevin De Bruyne be out injured? Pep Guardiola responds