Gary Neville names the one Manchester United attacker who’s impressed him recently

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Gary Neville has named Alejandro Garnacho as the one Manchester United attacker who’s impressed him this season.

Man United fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest yesterday to round off a miserable first half of the campaign.

Erik ten Hag’s side currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, nine points off the top four having played a game less than fourth-place Arsenal. 

United did complete a brilliant comeback win against Aston Villa during the week. But they have failed to produce consistent performances this term.

One huge cause for concern has been a lack of firepower in attack, with Ten Hag’s side managing just 22 goals in 20 league games. It’s no secret that the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial have all struggled this season. 

Rashford was back amongst the goals yesterday at the City Ground but Gary Neville has been unimpressed with United’s wide players this season. 

Yet, the United legend has singled out Alejandro Garnacho for praise on the latest episode of his podcast. 

Neville names Garnacho as United’s best attacker this season

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast following United’s 2-1 defeat at Forest last night, the former United man was asked whether Ten Hag may regret selling Anthony Elanga.

While Neville was unsure of whether or not his former side made a mistake when it came to Elanga’s departure, he admitted that United’s attacking players have been way below par this season.

He said: “I can’t sit here and say ‘United should have kept Elanga, he’s better than all the ones they’ve got.’ But it does make you think that on days like today when you see the performance of levels of United wide players.

“Garnacho aside, I think he’s got something, he’s got an appetite and real courage to play. I have to say the rest of them, to be fair, I mean… we’ve said enough haven’t we? It’s everything. Body language, their running back, their ability to combine with each other, the skill.

“I wouldn’t worry too much if the work ethic wasn’t there and they weren’t running back. I played with players who didn’t run back at times but they didn’t half deliver in the final third.

“To not deliver in the final third and then not run back, it’s just insulting to teammates, to their families and the fans that travelled behind that goal. But they do it week in and week out.”

Garnacho has netted five goals and provided two assists in all competitions this season. At just 19, the Argentine undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him at Old Trafford. 

Indeed, he received praise after his display in the comeback win over Villa this week, with Danny Murphy labelling his performance as ‘outstanding’.

You wouldn’t expect the responsibility to lie on Garnacho’s shoulders given the fact he’s only recently established himself as a regular starter.

But United’s attack just hasn’t clicked this term and they’ve often relied on moments of brilliance from individual players. It’s fair to say that Garnacho has managed this more than many, with the likes of Antony yet to provide a single goal contribution this season.