Why Alejandro Garnacho's first Man Utd season has been 'special'
Manchester United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho admits his maiden season in the club's senior ranks has been "special" but there's plenty of work to do in the future.
The 18-year-old penned a new five-year contract on Thursday to commit his future to the club until 2028, having shone brightly after breaking into Erik ten Hag's first team plans.
Garnacho's season has been disrupted of late by an ankle injury but he's in contention for a return to the side against Aston Villa, where a victory for United should put the club on brink of returning to the Champions League next season.
Already a fans' favourite, because of his direct running and willingness to take defenders on, Garnacho spoke to the club's media team about the significance of his new contract, where he touched on a number of factors that have contributed to his success so far.
"I want to say thank you to the manager first because he gave me the opportunity. And of course, my family, all Academy coaches, and everyone [who has] helped me so much," he said.
"I wouldn't be here signing this new contract without their support.”
"It's been a positive season for me," he continued. "Scoring my first goals, helping the team on with my first trophy. It's been a special year but it's just the start. We have to keep working, we have more work to do."
Garnacho's first goal for United was the winner away at Real Sociedad in the Europa League back in November, while his first Premier League strike came just ten days later at Craven Cottage - a dramatic stoppage-time strike to hand the Red Devils a hugely important 2-1 win.
Read the latest Man Utd news
feed
Will Garnacho wear the number 7 shirt at Man Utd?
There's been plenty of speculation regarding Garnacho's shirt number next season, with many calling for the number seven, previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo, to be handed to the talented young winger.
He's clearly an important player to the club already - the fact United failed to sanction a departure to appear for Argentina at the Under-20 World Cup attests to that - but may face competition for the shirt from Jadon Sancho - seven is the number he impressed wearing during his time in Germany with Borussia Dortmund.
Garnacho has hinted he'd want the number, liking a number of tweets from supporters calling for the switch to happen, in addition to his social media handle being @agarnacho7.
WATCH NOW
On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders & Rob Blanchette discuss what Man Utd's perfect summer transfer window might look like, with links to a new striker, central midfielder and central defender doing the rounds.
If you can't see this embed, click here to watch the podcast!