Manchester United's manager Erik Ten Hag has stated he has no issue with Alejandro Gonzalez's body language but rather sees it as one of the player's biggest strengths.
The 18-year-old was subbed off against Crystal Palace moments after he was put into the game; he was sacrificed due to Casemiro's sending off and Man United needed to finish the game. He was rewarded with a starting berth against Leeds United, however, he was subbed off after he missed two great chances to get an equalizer for Man United, who were trailing 1-0 at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old, who was visibly frustrated by his bad decision-making and being closely marked by Leeds United's Luke Ayling, had to be brought off and replaced by Facundo Pellistri. The Red Devils went on to tie the game at 2-2.
Fans and critics were expecting the youngster to throw a tantrum or give an attitude, but Erik Ten Hag confirmed that the player accepted the manager's decisions and has prompted praise from the 53-year-old.
"I don’t think it's that he doesn’t understand the decision [to come off]," Ten Hag stated during his pre-match press conference for Sunday's trip to Leeds.
"He’s quite emotional; that is his strength that he is bringing to the game." He wants to win, he wants to play football, and he doesn’t want to miss any minutes."
"I think that is a good thing." He is totally convinced of himself; that’s a good thing. You need that under the biggest stress factors that you have to perform, and he is doing that. He is contributing to the end, but he accepts the decision."
"The team is always above everything, and he accepts that." I think when he is showing that emotion, the frustration is not that he is not accepting it.
Alejandro Garnacho has been influential since he burst into the team; he has helped to win games with his goals and assists, including in the Manchester derby. The boss has encouraged the teenage Argentine to keep his confidence intact and keep up with his good performances.
"I think all the players have to be brave and try, as long as it’s in the interest of the team," added the boss.
"That is what he is doing quite well because he is taking players on, he outplays them, and he is creating chances." But on Wednesday, he should have scored."
"I think he is doing quite well; he is having an impact." I think he is a threat. As we saw on Wednesday, he had good actions, he was lively, he created great chances, but he had to score. Finally, it is about that—that you have an effect."
"As a striker, you have to be on that list—the scoring list, the assist list, the key action list." Of course, we expect the other stuff; the base stuff is also important. If you can’t do the extra, you have to do that.
"That is your base function, but, as a Manchester United player, we expect you to have an impact, to influence the score, the result, and to have a positive influence on the game by scoring goals and having assists."
The young Argentine will be hoping he is given another starting berth against Leeds United when the Red Devils play the Yorkshire club for the second time in four days.
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