The Argentine teenager is ready to kick on after a stunning breakthrough season and must be given a regular place in the starting XI by Erik ten Hag
There were two chants at Old Trafford last season that were heard more than any others. One was "We want Glazers out", a defiant message to the club's despised owners that was aired after every goal. And the other was "Viva Garnacho", an ode to Manchester United fans' latest idol.
Alejandro Garnacho was already well known to supporters for his role in United's FA Youth Cup win and he made a thrilling step up to the first team last season, firing in crucial goals against Real Sociedad, Fulham, Leeds, West Ham and Wolves. Had it not been for an untimely ankle ligament injury, he could have achieved even more.
The forward has just turned 19 but he is already an Argentina international and he is determined to make an even bigger impression in his first full season with the first team. The only problem is he shares a favourite position, on the left of attack, with Marcus Rashford. However, there is an alternative position that could open up and that is as a right forward, and he has a much better chance of unseating its current occupier, Antony, than United's homegrown talisman.
Antony had a handful of great moments last season but ultimately failed to live up to his £85 million ($107m) price tag and ended the campaign with a meagre eight goals and four assists in 44 appearances in all competitions. Garnacho, in 34 appearances and far fewer minutes, managed five goals and five assists.
United should not write Antony off just yet but Garnacho is hammering at the door of the starting XI and deserves far more opportunities this season. He is easily good enough for a regular place in the team and on present form is more deserving of a staring berth than his Brazilian team-mate.
Choosing between Garnacho and Antony is Erik ten Hag's biggest selection dilemma although he will also need to decide which defenders will work best with new goalkeeper Andre Onana and whether big-money signing Rasmus Hojlund should start regularly or have a bedding-in process.
As United prepare to kick off their Premier League campaign against Wolves on Monday, GOAL looks at how Ten Hag's side should line up this season…
GettyGK: Andre Onana
The Cameroonian was hand-picked by Ten Hag to replace David de Gea and has the ability to transform United's style of play and get them playing exactly how the manager wants. Onana will demand a lot of his defenders and has a huge personality which he will impose on the team. He's exactly what United need after years of standing still in such a vital position. However, he is bound to make a few high-profile errors due to his flamboyant style.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka was one of United's most improved players last season and won his place in the line-up back from Diogo Dalot. The pair will have another close rivalry for the position and although the Portuguese offers more going forward, Wan-Bissaka is far more solid and reliable and should be first-choice, especially against the top sides.
Getty CB: Raphael Varane
Varane is unquestionably in the starting line-up but his propensity to pick up small injuries means he will likely miss a number of games and Victor Lindelof will be called into action.
The Frenchman has seen it all after winning a World Cup and five Champions Leagues and his experience and control helped him work up a solid partnership with Lisandro Martinez. He is also fully focused on United after retiring from France duty earlier in the year.
Getty CB: Lisandro Martinez
The Argentina defender silenced the doubters with an exceptional first campaign with United. He has remarkable passing ability and courage to bring the ball out from the back and play his way out of pressure. He is sure to be an ally of Onana and has already sung the praises of his new goalkeeper.
Martinez's real impact became glaringly obvious when he fractured his metatarsal in April and the team limped over the line towards a top-four finish but he has fully recovered and in pre-season he demonstrated that the injury has not affected his desire to compete and win.