The game between Manchester United and Barcelona was a big deal. The first part of the story is over.
On the club's preseason tour of Thailand and Australia, there were other players caught out by the new rules. The manager's no-nonsense approach to squad discipline took a bit of getting used to and the first week of the summer was a learning curve for even the most experienced
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Garnacho was reprimanded by Ten Hag and his staff even though he was suffering from jet lag and missed a few team meetings. After impressing in training, the 18-year-old has started three of United's last four games. The lid was lifted on Garnacho's struggles this summer, and it's only now that he's ready to play first-team football.
After handing Garnacho his full debut in the win over FC Sheriff, Ten Hag said he was happy with his attitude and resilience. He's getting better. He should keep that attitude. He can score goals if he is reliable, and he can give final passes if he is reliable.
After Garnacho scored his first senior goal in the win over Real Sociedad, Fernandes said the teenager needs to re-focus.
He wasn't at his best at the start of the season. He didn't get his chance until now because he didn't have the best attitude on the tour. He's getting his chance because he's training better and has a different attitude.
He did not get his chance because he was not good enough in training and not good enough in mentality. That's the reason he's getting chances. Everyone is happy for him. He's doing great, he's still young.
It has been suggested that Garnacho's attitude could hold him back at Old Man U. Sources at United insist that the incidents early on during the summer tour are an exception and that the young forward is now among the first to arrive for training every day.
During his first three months in England, Garnacho was only allowed to travel between United's and the other side of the country, because he was so eager to make the move to United.
Confident on the pitch, coaches have found him to be quiet and shy off it, so much so that it can come across as arrogance or disinterest, and he's still not moved over to the first-team dressing room despite being eligible. His rapid rise from the academy ranks started last season when he caught the eye of Rangnick almost immediately after his appointment in December and he impressed Ten Hag early in the summer by returning to the club early.
Is Barcelona going to defeat United? The draw of the European league.
According to sources, he requested a personalized gym program in order to add more muscle after finding English football to be much more physical than in the Spanish system. Two years after arriving at the club as a 16-year-old, he has become almost fluent in English and requires regular lessons. The club have encouraged his relationship with Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez, who has been branded his "big brother" around Carrington, while he is close to his teammates.
Although Garnacho has represented Spain at youth level but qualifies for Argentina through his mother, the feeling is that the United youngster will miss out on a seat on the plane. When Garnacho was called up to the Argentina squad in March, he was sent to Manchester for talks with United's academy boss, Nick Cox, as well as the technical director of the club.
The club have been talking to Garnacho's representatives about an improved contract and they are confident that he will be a part of their future. He already has a deal until 2024 with an additional 12 months option and while his weekly wage has increased, it is felt his development warrants renewed terms.
Garnacho is still learning about the demands of football at the highest level. He is finally getting a chance to show what he can do after finding out that there are expectations off the pitch.
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