Ex-Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has identified one member of the current Red Devils crop that he feels boasts ‘very special’ qualities
Former Manchester United star Robin van Persie has heaped praise on Red Devils youngster Alejandro Garnacho and dubbed the Argentine ‘very special’.
Garnacho has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the United first-team under manager Erik ten Hag and popped up with some vital contributions this term, including a last-gasp winner away at Fulham and an impressive strike against enemies Leeds.
With that in mind, he has earned plenty of plaudits for his efforts but few may mean more than Van Persie’s praise, given the Dutchman knows all about scoring goals and winning huge honours for United. Ahead of the Red Devils’ Europa League second-leg showdown against Real Betis, the ex- Arsenal ace waxed lyrical over the teenage sensation.
Speaking to BT Sport as part of a one to one interview with fellow countryman Ten Hag, Van Persie explained: “Garnacho is one to watch, you know he is still very young, a very talented player.
“If you look how he handles difficult situations, how he handles pressure, how he creates, for his age especially it is very special.”
The admiration goes both ways, as Garnacho has previously dubbed Van Persie a ‘legend’ following another visit from the Dutchman to United’s Carrington training ground last year.
‘One to watch’ Alejandro Garnacho suffered a nasty-looking injury against Southampton ( Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
For all of the positivity surrounding Garnacho at the moment, the 18-year-old is currently sidelined with injury and will miss out on the chance to represent his country in the upcoming international break as a result.
Garnacho’s injury was sustained after a tackle from Kyle Walker-Peters during last Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. After the game, Ten Hag made his feelings on the situation and the winger’s absence clear.
“I can’t say exactly (what the timescale is) at this moment but it will take weeks, so it’s a serious injury,” the United boss explained. “Of course it’s difficult. He makes great progression and he was selected by the national team.
“It was a big moment for him and he’s in a really good development and you don’t want to disturb that process. Now we have to step away from it but he will be back for the end of the season.
“So, what he has to do now is deal with it, deal with the setback and then work, invest to get back before the end of the season because (at the) end of the season, we can win a lot. So, he has to be ready to get back as soon as possible.”
With United still in the hunt for the FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League qualification, Ten Hag is correct in his claim that Garnacho’s recovery needs to be swift and painless so he can return and showcase the kind of talent and skill Van Persie analysed.
