Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag doesn’t want people to compare Alejandro Garnacho with former club greats after his sensational bicycle kick in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Everton.
Garnacho opened the scoring in the third minute with a remarkable strike which drew comparisons to efforts from club legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in United colours.
“Don’t compare, I don’t think it’s right,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“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, hes not, but he definitely has high potential and to do some amazing things. And it’s not the first time we saw this talent, we have already seen glimpses.”
The basis behind Ten Hag’s cautious words was urging Garnacho on to meet his potential as a consistent high performer capable of such feats.
“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,” he said.
“You have to work very hard. You have to go in areas where it hurts. And so, a lot to come, but he has potential.”
The Dutchman added that he felt Garnacho’s effort was already the Goal of the Season winner.
The season is still long but it is probably the Goal of the Season,” he said.
“It was not only that finish, but also the build up was very good with the switch.
“We talked about being brave, being dynamic, being proactive. But the finish is fantastic.”
