Troy Deeney has praised Alejandro Garnacho’s performance in the drab Manchester derby – but singled out Manchester United teammate Patrick Dorgu for having the first touch of a ‘baby elephant’.
United and City shared a goalless stalemate at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in a contest lacking any of the usual intensity you would associate with a derby.
The hosts had the better chances to secure the victory but their profligacy in front of goal let them down again, passing up a host of opportunities.
Garnacho almost in on goal inside the first minute before being brought down on the edge of the box by Ruben Dias. Later in the half, he was expertly picked out by Diogo Dalot’s cross but appeared to be caught in two minds over whether to head or volley the ball – in the end doing neither.
While the Argentina international’s end product was again lacking, former Premier League star Deeney believes Garnacho is now delivering exactly what his manager is asking from him.
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‘You are starting to see Amorim’s work pay off,’ Deeney told Match of the Day 2.
‘What Amorim wants from his 10s is them running behind the full-backs and the centre-backs. [Fr Garnacho’s chance a minute into the game], he could have gone on his left foot for the first effort and got his shot off.’
Garnacho looked to turn provider later in the first-half, switching to the right flank and cutting an inviting ball back to Dorgu who had burst into the box. But the January signing’s disappointing first touch ensured it was another chance passed up.
‘He is switching play which is what Amorim wants,’ Deeney continued.
‘His [Garnacho] willingness to run in behind is what United need going forward and this is what Amorim is talking about.
‘This touch from Dorgu is the touch of a baby elephant. It is so terrible. If you want to score goals you need to do better.
‘But he is starting to build a nice connection down the left between Garnacho and Dorgu.’
After what was ultimately another frustrating performance from Garnacho, United legend Paul Scholes predicting after the match the club will look to sell the Argentina international at the end of the season.
‘I get the impression, and I could be wrong, but I think they might sell the two young players. I think they might sell Mainoo and Garnacho.
‘Maybe they sell them this summer. The Mainoo one would hurt. They both would. Garnacho came later but Mainoo has been at the club since he was a kid.
‘He had a brilliant season last year and it makes the academy system look bad if a player like him can’t make it and they have to sell him.