Alejandro Garnacho misses out on incredible Manchester United record held by Cristiano Ronaldo despite assist vs Fulham

Manchester United kicked off their Premier League campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, August 16. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho played a significant role in the goal, delivering the cross that debutant Joshua Zirkzee converted in the 87th minute.

Garnacho now has 10 goals and seven assists for Manchester United in the Premier League. The Argentine, who turned 20 in July, fell just one short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the highest number of Premier League goal contributions by a teenager for the club (17).

Garnacho was part of Atletico Madrid’s youth system before moving to Manchester in 2020. After being involved with United’s youth teams, he made his senior debut for the club in 2022 in the UEFA Europa League.

He has since made 88 appearances and scored 16 goals across all competitions for Manchester United. His success with the Red Devils also earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team, with whom he won the 2024 Copa America.

Coming back to Friday's game, despite a strong first-half showing, United struggled to maintain their momentum in the second period. Fulham had several opportunities on the break, prompting Erik ten Hag to bring on substitutes Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee.

The two players injected pace and dynamism into the attack, which proved decisive. With just three minutes of regulation time remaining, Zirkzee found Garnacho on the right flank. Garnacho’s low, driven cross was then met by the Dutch international, who poked the ball into the back of the net.

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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag explained why he didn't start Alejandro Garnacho

The Manchester United teamsheet raised some eyebrows when Garnacho was named on the bench. The winger had scored a stunning goal against Manchester City in the Community Shield just last week.

However, Ten Hag explained that both Garnacho and Zirkzee arrived late for pre-season and were not yet in rhythm to start against Fulham. The Dutch tactician, however, was quick to add that Garnacho will be one of the key players for the club once he finds his form.

“I explained the same about Zirkzee, it is the same about Alejandro, you saw his background, he played in an FA Cup final and then in Copa America. He had one game and then he had his break. He needed a break and we had to bring him into the tour. After a long season as a young player, he needed a break. He came late into pre-season and we have players in wide areas who have performed very well. That is why he started on the bench," Ten Hag said (via Manchester United website)

Manchester United will next face Brighton & Hove Albion away from home on August 24.