Erik ten Hag reveals why he was ‘not happy’ with Alejandro Garnacho and sends message to Man Utd winger

Erik ten Hag has revealed he was ‘not happy’ with Alejandro Garnacho in the early weeks of the season and claimed the Manchester United youngster needed to show a ‘better attitude’.

A winger was handed a first senior start on Thursday as the Red Devils beat Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 in the Europa League. Garnacho was perhaps United’s most impressive performer on the night and looked dangerous with his runs in behind the visitors’ back four.

But the 18-year-old, who played a starring role in the club’s FA Youth Cup-winning side last season, could have been handed a first start earlier this campaign had he not earned the disapproval of Ten Hag, something the United manager revealed after the game.

“I think it was a good performance from him [Garnacho]; he did what I expected him to do,” opined the Dutchman. “First, he deserves a chance from the last weeks.

“The start was difficult for him, I was not happy with him but the last weeks I was happy with him, he had a better attitude, more resilience and determination. You see his talent to deal with the ball in tight areas, to run behind and he can take players on. That’s a good capability, especially against opponents who are defending compact like this opponent.

“I am happy with that and I hope this is a stimulant for him, the first game, that he knows ‘I have to do better’ to get into the team. But don’t forget you are playing in a team.”

Asked to explain what Garnacho had done to frustrate Ten Hag earlier this season, he responded: “Young kids, they have to grow and to raise their personality. They have to know the demands in top football, it’s not only about a trick or scoring one goal.

“No, we have to win football games and then have to fulfil every day the high standards. That is what we have to teach and not only him, that’s what we have to teach all the players, especially the young players.”

While Ten Hag was happy with Garnacho’s performance, he clearly was left disappointed by the display from Antony on the opposite wing. The summer signing displayed one of his trademark 360 turns on the ball, but then immediately passed it out of play.

The incident drew criticism from Paul Scholes on Thursday, and Ten Hag said he doesn’t have an issue with skills, although he felt Antony should have played better on the night. “I don’t have a problem with that as long as it is functional,” said the former Ajax manager. “I demand more runs behind, more often in the box and following in; tempo dribbles and more playing in the pocket.

“We demand more dominance in this game and when there is a trick like this it is nice, as long as it is functional and we are not losing the ball. If you attract players then it is ok but if it’s a trick because of a trick I will correct it.”