Alejandro Garnacho has the 'X-factor' to become world class

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag thinks "hard work" is needed if Alejandro Garnacho is to become world class but is confident the Argentine winger has the right "X-factor" about him.

After a real breakout campaign in 2023/24, Garnacho is yet to start for United so far this season – the result of a delayed summer break due to his involvement with Argentina at the Copa America.

But the 20-year-old has featured off the bench in every game and has made a big impact too.

He scored what looked like it was going to be a late winner in the Community Shield before Manchester City grabbed an even later equaliser to force penalties and take the trophy that way. Garnacho then set up Joshua Zirkzee's winning goal against Fulham in last Friday's Premier League opener, before looking like he had put United 2-1 ahead against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Cruelly for Garnacho, United and Zirkzee, the Dutchman popped up again to turn the already goal-bound ball into the net, to then be flagged offside and result in the would-be winner chalked off.

Once Garnacho is back in the starting XI, he has the potential to get United firing. But Ten Hag, who was speaking about the player before the Brighton game, doesn’t wish to get carried away.

"You go very quickly [to add this label] world class player: he has to go a long way. He has high potential, he showed last season he can contribute and be a starting player. To make the jump and become a world-class player it starts with very hard work," Ten Hag explained.

"That brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to that world-class player, I agree he has the potential.

"Every club at the top needs players with the X-factor. We have already seen on occasions that he has shown the X-factor, so if you want to be that player that people are saying is world class then you have to do it consistently. He has that skill."

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