Former Manchester United youth boss Neil Wood warns that Erik ten Hag’s decision to bring Alejandro Garnacho into the club’s first team set-up could ultimately harm winger’s development
- Neil Wood expressed concerns over Alejandro Garnacho’s first senior start
- The former Man United youth boss warned of the dangers of overexposure
- Garnacho impressed in his first Europa League start as the club defeated Sheriff
- Wood worked extensively with Garnacho at United in the club’s youth setup
Former Manchester United youth boss Neil Wood has questioned Erik ten Hag’s decision to bring starlet Alejandro Garnacho into the club’s first team setup.
Having developed a sizeable buzz at Old Trafford thanks to his performances for United’s u23s, the Argentina youth international was entrusted by Ten Hag to make a number of cameo appearances in both the Premier League and in Europe earlier this season.
However, Garnacho got his first real taste of first-team football when he made his first senior start for the club when United hosted FC Sheriff in the Europa League.
Alejandro Garnacho impressed fans after making his first senior start for Manchester United in the Europa League
Garnacho made an immediate impact on the game and already fans have been calling the Dutch manager to fully integrate the youngster into the first team setup.
However, Neil Wood worked extensively with the young prospect during his time as manager of the club’s u23 side and warned that overexposure to the senior game at such a young age could prove detrimental to Garnacho’s development as a player.
Speaking to The Athletic, the now-Salford City manager explained: ‘I get that fans like to see young players thrown in but I don’t know if throwing him into the first team is the best thing to do.
‘The standards are so high, you can’t be expected to turn it on immediately at Old Trafford, but expectations are high for young players. Too much too soon can damage a player’s development.’
However former United youth boss Neil Wood warned that overexposure to senior football could be detrimental to his development
The now Salford City boss also warned that the heightened expectations for senior players can harm young stars
Though Wood was apprehensive about Ten Hag’s decision to include the youngster in the senior squad, he assured that he was under no illusions about 18-year-old’s potential.
‘There’s no doubt he has talent, can score individual goals and that he’s good at dribbling.’ Wood said.
‘That’s one of his main attributes but there are areas he needs to improve – his passing, keeping the ball, protecting the ball, hiding the ball when he’s dribbling, being more productive with his end product, creating more assists. There’s loads more to come, but he’s still young and hasn’t been at the club for long.’
