Time moves extremely quickly in football and when the subject in question is Manchester United, the most scrutinised club in England, that clock becomes even quicker.
That’s what Man Utd fans must be thinking looking at one player in the squad right now after his tremendous fall from grace.
The No. 7 shirt is the most iconic number in Man Utd history and arguably one of the most iconic shirt numbers in all of football.
In recent years, that has become a bit of a poisoned chalice at Old Trafford but the fans were convinced that one player was set to break the curse.
He’s now set to break his time at the club instead.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Man Utd fans viewed Alejandro Garnacho as a natural No. 7
The best No. 7s at Man Utd have had some common qualities that distinguish them from the ordinary.
From having that swagger and self-confidence to lift the team on their own, to their ability to get fans off their seats with breathtaking moments of inspiration, the best No. 7s of Man Utd were the undisputed talismans of their team.
That’s what the fans saw in Alejandro Garnacho when he broke through as a fresh-faced, fearless teenager under Erik ten Hag.
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In a team that was often extremely structured, Garnacho brought the chaos in the best possible way.
His playing position, his flamboyance, and his ability to pull out unexpected moments of brilliance made him a quick fan favourite, arguably the most liked member of the squad among young fans despite having much less pedigree.
The No. 7 debate naturally came to the fore once Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in a scorched earth manner, and there stood Garnacho.
He was the symbol of the new era under Erik ten Hag. United’s answer to an uncertain future and the disciple of Ronaldo.
Unfortunately, it can be said today that Garnacho was indeed the disciple of Ronaldo, but of the version who left United by burning all bridges.
Garnacho is a story of unfulfilled potential
Youth development is extremely unpredictable and even more so at Man Utd when things kept changing while Garnacho was breaking through.
In just over two proper years of senior football, Garnacho has played under three managers (Caretaker included), in three systems, and with an ever-changing array of teammates.
Being thrust into an unexpectedly large role immediately after breaking through wasn’t ideal for his development because he just wasn’t ready to concede some of that role when it mattered as a result.
In an ideal world, an 18-year-old player wouldn’t be called the messiah of Old Trafford before he’s earned the title, and when Ruben Amorim sought to lay that upon him, he wasn’t ready to accept.
It is quite possible that a change of scenario and a resetting of the pecking order does him wonders and he flourishes elsewhere, but taking a step back and reflecting on his choices at Old Trafford looks impossible for him now.
Garnacho will end his United career as a story of unfulfilled potential. A youngster who was given far too much far too quickly and things snowballed negatively as a result.