Erik ten Hag hailed Alejandro Garnacho’s opener at Everton as the ‘Goal of the Season’ after the teenager’s overhead kick helped Manchester United to a 3-0 win at Goodison Park.
United moved within four points of the Champions League places with a 3-0 win at Everton, a result which secured the Red Devils a fifth league win in six games.
Ten Hag’s team opened the scoring early on at an atmospheric Goodison, with the home crowd – protesting against their Premier League points deduction – stunned as Garnacho scored a sensational overhead effort from Diogo Dalot’s cross.
Marcus Rashford doubled the visitor’s lead from the penalty spot, before Anthony Martial sealed the win with a confident finish. Ten Hag was left in awe of Garnacho’s goal and called the teenager’s effort ‘probably the goal of the season’.
“Probably goal of the season. Also the build-up, not just the finish, was very good. The finish is fantastic,” the Manchester United manager told Sky Sports.
WHAT A GOAL ALEJANDRO GARNACHO!!!! 🤯🤯🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/L9h1inY5rT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 26, 2023
“After the start of the game we were too easy-going. I criticised the team at half-time. They thought they were already there. You can’t do that. You have to do 100 minutes on the pitch. Second half we did very well.
“Our three offensive players scored. That’s what we need. It will help us as a team.”
On how much Rashford, who has struggled for form and confidence this season, needed his goal, Ten Hag added: “A lot. You see also how great captain Bruno is. He assessed his team-mate needed that goal. He has the confidence in Rashy, who is a good penalty taker. As a team you need that leadership that you back each other.
“We have to go step by step. This is one step.”
Ten Hag handed a first Premier League start to 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who produced an assured performance in midfield. United captain Bruno Fernandes hailed the academy product as his side’s man of the match.
“Great game – for me man of the match, a great performance and secure on the ball and never puts a foot wrong,” Fernandes told Sky Sports.
“He is always ready to help, for his age he has too much quality. He sees the play before and did so many good things today he was secure on the ball.”
