Three years have passed since Alejandro Garnacho first stepped onto the Old Trafford pitch, a teenager with a dream, under the proud eyes of his family. That moment, tucked away in the memory of Manchester United fans, marked the beginning of a rise that has quietly but powerfully unfolded. Garnacho, just 17 then, had already made waves in the youth ranks, guiding United to an FA Youth Cup final. Just a fortnight after his senior debut, he would etch his name into club folklore with a two-goal performance in that very final.
Since arriving in Manchester mid-pandemic, Garnacho largely kept to himself, dodging the tabloids and keeping a low profile. But now, after nearly five years at the club, he’s begun to step forward—literally—into the limelight. His recent appearance at Carrington for a rare player-led press conference was symbolic. With the focus usually trained on Erik ten Hag or whoever is holding the reins, Garnacho sitting center stage suggested a new chapter. One where he’s not just on the pitch—but part of the club’s public identity.
Back in January, things weren’t so certain. United had waved away a £40 million bid from Napoli, and Chelsea had him on their radar too. Garnacho, a product of Atlético Madrid, had been shifted from his natural winger role into a more nuanced position under Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup. He admitted it wasn’t easy. The change in system challenged him, but rather than retreat, he leaned in—adjusting, growing, and eventually flourishing.
That same December, Amorim dropped both Garnacho and Marcus Rashford from the Manchester derby over attitude concerns. Rashford has yet to return to the starting fold. Garnacho, however, took the criticism and turned it into fuel. He hasn’t missed a start since, racking up 13 consecutive appearances and looking likely to start again against Athletic Bilbao. He’s outpaced Rashford, Sancho, Martial, and Elanga for that coveted left-wing spot—a quiet coup in itself.
Notably, while Rashford had a reputation for struggling with coaching critiques, Garnacho has been disarmingly honest. In interviews, he’s owned his missteps. “A new system, a new coach—it’s tough,” he admitted. “But I’m trying to grow, trying to show I deserve to be here.” It’s the kind of raw accountability that resonates, especially in a team hungry for resilience and direction.
When media duties called ahead of United’s showdown with Lyon, it was Harry Maguire who officially stepped up. But Garnacho has been increasingly visible, sharing interviews with teammates like Kobbie Mainoo and facing post-match microphones. According to insiders, it was Garnacho himself who volunteered for that latest press event—suggesting he’s not just maturing, but actively seeking more responsibility.
There’s always been talk of Cristiano Ronaldo when Garnacho’s name comes up. The celebrations, the style—it all invites the comparison. And yet, Garnacho himself brushes it off. “Cristiano was a different player,” he says. “I’m not chasing numbers. I just want to help the team.” Still, the math is eye-catching. One goal short of Ronaldo’s three-season tally, and not yet 21—Garnacho is already pacing ahead of a legend.
In Bilbao last week, four members of his family wore “Garnacho 17” shirts with pride. But for all the nostalgia of the number 17, the whispers have begun: could he be next in line for United’s sacred No. 7 shirt? If he stays, if he keeps growing, that possibility doesn’t feel like fantasy—it feels like destiny. A young boy who debuted in silence is now becoming a symbol for United’s future, echoing the past but blazing his own trail.
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