Erik ten Hag remained coy on whether Alejandro Garnacho will return to his Manchester United starting XI after his electric performance in the 7-0 win over Barnsley.
The Argentina international netted twice in the Carabao Cup third round victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, also providing assists for both of Marcus Rashford’s goals.
Including his goal off the bench in the Community Shield against Manchester City, Garnacho has now scored four times and laid on three assists in just two starting appearances this term.
Amad Diallo and Rashford have been ten Hag’s preferred starters so far this season with Garnacho’s only other starting appearance this season coming in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, settling for roles off the bench against Fulham, Brighton and Southampton.
United’s wide options are in good form with Amad starting the season well with Rashford on a run of three goals in his last two appearances. Antony, warned by Erik ten Hag this week he must ‘earn the right to play’ also offered bright moments against Barnsley, scoring from the penalty spot.
United head to Crystal Palace on Saturday evening but the United manager was giving little away when asked if Garnacho had done enough to earn a place in the starting XI.
Asked if that is the response he wants to see him from his players, ten Hag hit back: ‘There will be rotation. The conclusion from all of you is not right when I pick XI that I drop a player.
‘I pick a starting XI because I know I will have to change. We have more than 11 players who can be in the lineup of any match in this moment.’
Manuel Ugarte was also given his first start since his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain alongside Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in midfield.
Assessing the Uruguayan’s performance, ten Hag told Sky Sports: ‘I think he was good.
‘Also for him, in the first minutes, you have to find your position and, as a team, you have to find the right shape.
‘Once we got it, then you see his level and he can really strengthen the squad and the team.’