Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has another young winger among his ranks better than Alejandro Garnacho, according to former defender Paul Parker. Garnacho has cemented his status as a regular starter with a string of positive performances, but Ten Hag has been told to give another starlet a chance to shine.
The 19-year winger’s development has progressed this term, with United regularly calling on him amid Marcus Rashford’s poor run of form and Antony’s lack of quality.
Garnacho has started the Red Devils’ last 15 games in all competitions. Only Andre Onana, who has been ever-present in his maiden season, has made more appearances (29) than the Argentina international’s 27 this term.
Ten Hag appears to have found Garnacho’s calling by switching him to the right side of his attack. The United No 17 has been electric in recent games, with Rashford on the right and Rasmus Hojlund down the middle.
However, Amad Diallo recently returned from a long-term injury to produce a promising cameo in the 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest at the end of 2023. He provides another right-wing option to solve United’s prolonged struggles with the position.
And Parker believes the 21-year-old is actually better than Garnacho, calling on Ten Hag to hand him a run of games once he has returned to full fitness.
“I thought Amad Diallo came on against Nottingham Forest and showed more than Antony has done since he arrived,” Parker told bettors.ng.
“He is very clever, and I think, right now, he is better than Garnacho, and he deserves to get the chance to get a run.
“Given Man United’s situation, Erik ten Hag has to give the lad a run. There is so much more in him as a wide player than all the other players. His pace can trouble any opponent.”
Amad starred on a season-long loan at Sunderland last term, making 42 appearances in Tony Mowbray’s Premier League promotion-chasing side. The Ivory Coast international scored 14 goals and provided four assists in all competitions.
United recruited Amad for an initial £19million from Atalanta in January 2021. The deal includes a potential further £18m in add-ons, and he is under contract until June 2025, with the option of a 12-month extension.
