Dimitar Berbatov has backed Erik ten Hag’s handling of Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho.
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The teenager shot to prominence last season with a series of eye-catching displays having been primarily used as an impact subsitute.
Garnacho committed his long-term future to United earlier this year and looked set for a prominent first team role this season.
The 19-year-old struggled against Wolves and Tottenham during the opening two fixtures of the campaign, however, and has been used sparingly by his manager ever since.
Indeed, he cut a frustrated figure at Burnley last weekend where he was an unused substitute, much to the frustration of his brother who aimed a dig, that was hastily delete, at Ten Hag on social media.
Garnacho returned to the starting line-up on Tuesday and opened the scoring in a routine 3-0 Carabao Cup third round victory over Crystal Palace.
While his talent is undeniable, Berbatov insists Ten Hag is right to take a patient approach with the speedy winger.
‘It was great to see Alejandro Garnacho get on the score sheet in the week, people want him to play more at United but he needs time,’ said the Betfair Ambassador.
‘I think Ten Hag is showing enough faith in Garnacho and deciding the right times for him to play. He’s very, very young – just 19 – and you need to be careful not to rush things and try not to be impatient.
‘Look at how Guardiola treated Phil Foden, he was brought in slowly and had to answer questions about why he was not playing. A good manager will explain that to young players and the players are usually smart enough to understand.
‘Garnacho is in the right place, at the right time, and he has the right coach. When the opportunities are given to him, he should take them 100%. Believe me, the manager will see that, appreciate it, and give you your time. If you deserve it, you’ll get your chance in the first team.
‘It’s always exciting to watch new talent. People think ‘he can be the next…whoever’ and start to compare.
‘Let’s not rush things. In some cases, though, when the player is really exceptional – like when Mbappe was at Monaco – you can understand why he’s not on the bench. Those players are very rare, however. Everybody’s time is different, and I think Ten Hag is doing the right thing here.’
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