Just like George Best! Alejandro Garnacho follows in footsteps of Manchester United legend with strike in Community Shield against Manchester City
Alejandro Garnacho drew comparisons to George Best by becoming the youngest Manchester United star to net in the Community Shield in nearly 60 years.
Garnacho gave United the lead in the 82nd minute to become the youngest scorer in the Community Shield in 19 years. The goal also made Garnacho the youngest United star to net in the game since club legend George Best did so in 1965.
20 – Alejandro Garnacho (20y 40d) is the youngest player to score in the Community Shield since Cesc Fàbregas for Arsenal against Chelsea in 2005 (18y 95d), and youngest to do so for Manchester United since George Best in 1965 (19y 84d). Emulating. pic.twitter.com/cmxfg321K8
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 10, 2024
Garnacho’s goal was not enough to give United victory against their rivals, with Bernardo Silva’s equaliser sending the game to penalties. Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missed decisive spot-kicks in the shootout to give City victory in the Community Shield, although United’s performance, exemplified by Garnacho, will have encouraged supporters ahead of the new season.
Garnacho played over 400 more minutes than any other teenager in the Premier League last season and also boasted more touches in the opposition box than any player under the age of 21 across the top five major European leagues. Garnacho and teammate Kobbie Mainoo also became the first teenagers in 20 years to score in the FA Cup final when they netted against City in May.
Despite the result, Erik ten Hag was still optimistic ahead of the new season, particularly having seen stars like Casemiro put in an impressive display. United will open the Premier League campaign next Friday against Fulham hoping to have two new signings in their squad after agreeing deals with Bayern Munich for defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
