Is he both?
I'm gonna go with both.
Admittedly, I have been disappointed and a little upset that the star boy hasn't been starting many games this season. He (and us all) has to be contented with being an impact player coming on for the final 20 minutes, much like he was in his first campaign.
Last season, we saw a Garnacho that was a first-team regular whose name was probably first on the team sheet as well. And he had to be given his performances.
For some reason this term though, Erik ten Hag has been using him sparingly for the first few games.
Garnacho has been coming off the bench more often than not as he's only started two of the first five.
But the thing is, whether he starts or not, the star boy is making an impact either way.
When looking at his performances as well as those of players like Rashford and Amad, what exactly is Garnacho? An impact player, or a starter?
His three seasons in the first team would suggest that he is better off the bench than a starter as he's impact is more well, impactful.
I hope this table makes sense. I tried my best to get it to do so and try to showcase what he's like both as a starter and bench player.
Final Thoughts
I suppose that it doesn't really matter in the end. If he can perform both as a starter or off the bench, then we know that we have a serious player.
If others like Rashford and Amad who are ahead of him, are performing, then that's fine as well. This also promotes healthy competition with Garnacho being a character who will be hurt by not starting as much as he would like and will do everything he can to be a regular first-team player again.
Erik ten Hag knows that if he needs something from his bench though, he always has that trump card of bringing on the 20-year-old.
I personally feel that he is our best left-winger and should be starting ahead of Rashford because Garnacho has been performing at a higher level more consistently. But at the moment, with the way Rashford is playing and getting some confidence, I can't argue too much with the star boy having to park on the bench.
What he does need to do is come up with his own celebration. Don't copy Cristiano. Be your own player and let others follow you.
What would you do? Would you prefer Garnacho to start or is he better coming from the bench?
Background Image: Alejandro Garnacho against Man City in the 24/25 Community Shield | Creator: David Rogers | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2024 Getty Images via Goal