CNN
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Emerging Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for the club in his side’s 1-0 Europa League win over Real Sociedad on Thursday.
The 18-year-old used his searing pace to race behind the defense before firing a surefire finish into the roof of the net after 17 minutes.
The teenager walked away to celebrate before being mobbed by his teammates, including Cristiano Ronaldo who had provided the assist.
Then came a moment that Manchester United fans particularly liked.
After appearing to ask Ronaldo, the youngster turned to the supporters and struck a pose the 37-year-old has recently used as his own celebration – clasping his hands across his chest and gazing up at the sky. Cue instant comparisons.
“18 years and 125 days dreaming of this moment. Thanks Idol, @Cristiano,” Garnacho tweeted after the game.
The youngster, who joined United’s youth academy in 2020, received a standing ovation from United fans as he was substituted in the second half.
Many had called on Garnacho to play more this year after impressing in pre-season, but United star midfielder Bruno Fernandes says the youngster still needs to improve in some aspects.
“He was good, but he knows we expect a lot from him,” Fernandes told BT Sport after the win.
“In the [pre-season] tour, he didn’t have the best attitude. That’s why he didn’t have any chances. Now he has his chances because he trains better, he has a different attitude and he deserves it.
Despite Garnacho’s goal giving his side victory, it was ultimately a disappointing night for the Red Devils who needed to win by two goals to overtake Real Sociedad at the top of the group.
It means United, who finished second, will likely face a tougher opponent in a Europa League play-off for a place in the round of 16. The draw will take place in Nyon on Friday 24 November.
Garnacho, however, was a bright spark in a decent performance from Erik ten Hag’s men who will be looking to take winning form in the English Premier League.
“I’m really happy and hope he can continue,” Ten Hag said of Garnacho.
United face Aston Villa in their next league game before facing the same side again in a midweek League Cup tie.
