Ten Hag reveals pep talk with Alejandro Garnacho before match-winning performance against West Ham

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag revealed he had a pep talk with Alejandro Garnacho before the youngster’s impressive performance in the FA Cup win over West Ham United on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old netted in the 90th minute of the game to put the Red Devils ahead after Nayef Aguerd’s own goal drew United levelled following Said Benrahma’s opener after the break.

Ten Hag was pleased with the display of his winger having spoken to him on the sidelines prior to the start of the encounter.

“I see today another step. ‘I said to him before the game, ‘it’s time. You have an impact when you come on but now you have to have an impact as a starter’. And I think he is capable of it, so that is the next step he has to make,” Ten Hag told reporters after the game.

The Dutchman also lauded Garnacho as “fearless” and “brave” for his ability to take on players.

“It is a great skill when you’re fearless, when you’re brave. I don’t think that it’s a skill that is so specific, there are not so many players in world football who can take players on, who can just out-dribble them and that skill he has. But he has more skills than only that, for example, finishing,” he continued.

Man United went ahead to win the game 3-1 with Fred coming off the bench to wrap up the win as they advanced to the quarterfinals where they will face Fulham at Old Trafford.