Alejandro Garnacho has proven Ralf Rangnick Manchester United assessment right

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For a player who has started just two games so far this season, Alejandro Garnacho's attacking output already makes for very good reading.

The winger netted a brace in Tuesday night's 7-0 win over Barnsley, helping Manchester United cruise into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. His two goals saw him double his tally for the season while the Argentine, 20, also helped himself to two assists, creating both of Marcus Rashford's efforts.

Having started just two of United's opening six games this season, the fact he has already chalked up seven direct goal contributions (goals and assists) highlights just how talented and special a player he is. With the exception of the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool prior to the international break, he has been a threat in every game so far this season.

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After an impressive breakthrough campaign in 2022/23, he established himself as a more regular starter last season, answering Erik ten Hag's demand of impacting games from the start as often has he had via the substitutes bench the season prior.

This season, albeit after just six games, Garnacho is starting to fully establish himself as one of United's very best and most important players. His sharp rise should come as no surprise. He was the star attraction of the Under-18s' FA Youth Cup-winning campaign in 2022, scoring seven goals in six games, and was handed his first-team debut prior to the final, stepping off the bench against Chelsea.

It was Ralf Rangnick that gave Garnacho his first taste of senior football, aged only 17. Rangnick was confident it was the beginning of a very bright future for the Argentine international.

(Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images.)

Rangnick, speaking ahead of United's 3-2 win over Norwich City in April 2022, which marked the first time Garnacho had made it into the matchday squad, said: "He has been training with us [the first team] for the last two weeks and I know that he is one of the most promising players.

"[He is] still only 17, but a player that hopefully, if he keeps his feet on the ground, If he keeps trying to get better every day, then he will not only be sitting on the bench but there is every chance he will be playing for this club."

Not only is Garnacho now playing for United, he is one starring. He is shaping up to be a born entertainer and there is a very high chance he could end up making hundreds of appearances in United colours.

Rangnick did not work with Garnacho for long, but it was quickly apparent to him that he was a special player. Having already made 92 appearances in United colours before his 21st birthday, it is fair to say Rangnick was spot on.

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