5 things noticed from Man Utd training as Alejandro Garnacho shows off bold new look
Erik ten Hag is set for the biggest week of his Manchester United career so far, with two crucial games on the horizon.
The Red Devils take on Xavi’s Barcelona at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with a place in the last 16 of the Europa League at stake. United secured a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou last week and are in a great position to keep their European dream alive.
Ten Hag could also win the first trophy of his Old Trafford tenure when his team take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. United trained at Carrington on Wednesday ahead of those two crucial ties… and here is what we’ve noticed.
Garnacho’s haircut
Perhaps inspired by Jake Paul’s upcoming fight with Tommy Fury, Alejandro Garnacho has dyed his hair bleach blonde. The 18-year-old winger will be hoping to start Thursday night’s game and show off his fresh locks in front of a packed Old Trafford.
United are close to agreeing a new contract with Garnacho, who has fewer than 18 months remaining on his existing deal. He is one of the most exciting talents in European football, with the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich interested.
Ten Hag may decide to rest some players ahead of the Carabao Cup final, which could see Garnacho handed a start against Barcelona. He has established himself in United’s squad this season and recently scored a superb goal in the 2-0 win at Leeds.
RVP says hello
There was a special guest at Carrington on Wednesday, as Robin van Persie stopped by to say hello. The Dutchman, who spent three seasons as a player at United, is currently the assistant manager at Feyenoord and has been linked with a similar job at Old Trafford.
Van Persie was spotted talking to Wout Weghorst, who has scored just once in 10 games for United. Van Persie may have offered Ten Hag’s side some wisdom after winning the Europa League with Feyenoord in May 2002 – back when it was called the UEFA Cup.
“I’m really, totally excited about tomorrow,” said Ten Hag during his pre-match press conference. “Two, big great teams facing each other at Old Trafford. It will be a massive atmosphere, a great ambience. I think it’s the best you can get.”
Antony and Maguire return
Antony is expected to feature on Thursday night after recovering from a leg injury. The Brazilian missed United’s last four games but has returned to training. He is under pressure to delivery after scoring just five goals since his £85million move from Ajax last summer.
United captain Harry Maguire also missed the team’s 3-0 Premier League win against Leicester last Sunday but was spotted in training. Ten Hag confirmed: “We still have the training to go but I expect Harry Maguire and Antony dos Santos available.”
Martial back in training
Anthony Martial has missed large chunks of this season due to injury and has not featured in the Premier League since United’s 3-1 win against local rivals Manchester City in January. Yet the France international was spotted training on his own on Wednesday.
Ten Hag has confirmed Martial will not be available for the Barcelona game, although he is making progress in his recovery. The Dutchman added: “Anthony Martial is not available. He’s back, back on the pitch, not back in the team training so we wait for that.”
Casemiro back for good
Casemiro did feature at the Camp Nou last Thursday but has missed United’s last three Premier League games due to suspension after being sent off against Crystal Palace earlier this month. The midfielder is expected to start against Barcelona and Newcastle.
“I think it’s been quite obvious to see how important he [Casemiro] is to the team when he’s not been playing,” said Luke Shaw last week.
“For us as defenders, he gives us that feeling that we know there’s a lot of security, especially because of his positioning, where he always is. He loves to win the ball back and tackle. We always say to him that he likes to give the ball away so he can go and win it back!
“I think he’s an extremely important player for us and I’m very happy to have him back… because, like I said, he’s been a big miss for us.”
