Ten Hag issues optimistic Alejandro Garnacho injury update

Manchester United's head coach Erik Ten Hag has issued an update on the injury suffered by young winger Alejandro Garnacho during the Red Devils’ match against Southampton. 

Manchester United struggled to a 0-0 draw against Southampton on Sunday and suffered a number of blows including Casemiro’s red card and a potentially serious injury to Garnacho. 

The 18-year-old winger was taken off after suffering a poor challenge but Ten Hag says he only made the substitution as a precaution and also to try and preserve the draw. 

Garnacho tried to continue after the challenge and treatment but was replaced by Fred despite having come on as a substitute himself. 

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said the decision to bring Fred and Harry Maguire on towards the end was more tactical than anything else, as Southampton had made an attacking change moments before. 

He said, “In the end they brought on another striker, a big and tall one [Paul Onuachu] and I don't want to go for risk, we were already downsized to 10 [men].” 

Speaking on why it was Garnacho who came off, Ten Hag said he wanted to leave only completely fit players on for the last few minutes, but also stressed that the Argentine’s injury did not look as bad as first feared. 

Ten Hag said, “He was a little bit limping after the bad tackle. I didn't want to go with players who were [just] 90 per cent. That's why I called him off but I think it is not too bad.”

Garnacho was seen leaving Old Trafford in crutches but he will be hoping that Ten Hag is right and the injury is not serious as feared since he has just received his first call-up for the Argentine national team and could be in line for his debut during the international break next week.