Erik ten Hag explains how Man Utd can get the best out of Alejandro Garnacho after Argentine's inspirational performance against Everton

Garnacho was United's talisman in an otherwise unconvincing 2-0 win over Everton, winning both penalties which were dispatched by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. The Argentina international scored one of the goals of the season against the Toffees earlier this season and has developed into one of United's most important players over the last five months.

"He is a player that needs a challenge and likes one. Our job is to push him to high levels," Ten Hag told a press conference after the 2-0 win. "He has high potential and we have to get the potential out and therefore you have to work day by day. It is only about him, if he can keep the focus and if he puts the right effort in, he keeps the focus, sometimes for young players it is difficult. We have their job to do."

The winger was punished by Ten Hag for turning up late to a team breakfast on a pre-season tour in 2022 and he struggled to make an impact when starting games earlier in the season. But he has improved his work rate and his movement off the ball, starting United's last 18 Premier League games.

Ten Hag also offered a warning to the youngster, adding: "When you are young you don’t know what it is to play in a high competitive league and perform every third day. You don’t know you have to perform every training session. You need a lot of skills to be the best."

Garnacho has scored seven goals in all competitions this season and contributed to a further five.

After responding to successive league defeats by Fulham and Manchester City by beating Everton, United now turn their attention to the FA Cup. They face arch rivals Liverpool next Sunday in a quarter-final tie at Old Trafford.