19-year-old midfielder Alejandro Garnacho admitted he did not think he could score a superb overhead kick in the 3-0 win over Everton in round 13 of the Premier League.
"Honestly, I couldn't believe it," Garnacho said after the game at Goodison Park. "I just threw myself and didn't know how I scored. I just listened to the atmosphere. I said, 'Oh my God', and of course, for me, it's one of the best goals I've ever scored. I'm so happy."
Garnacho celebrates scoring the opening goal in Man Utd's 3-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park in round 13 of the Premier League on November 26. Photo: Reuters
In the 3rd minute, from Diogo Dalot's cross into the penalty area, Garnacho turned around and then leaned over to hook the ball into the far corner, beating goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. After scoring a masterpiece, the Argentine winger jumped and spun to the familiar celebration of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
Garnacho's first Premier League goal of the season is considered a strong contender for the Goal of the Season award, or even the Puskas award - FIFA's Goal of the Year. It has also been compared to Rooney's superb overhead kicks in the Manchester derby in February 2011 at Old Trafford and Ronaldo's in Real's 2018 Champions League quarter-final against Juventus.
Asked about the comparisons, Garnacho replied: "I think the two goals are very similar and I don't know which one is better. They are both incredible goals."
In addition to Garnacho, another striker who opened his Premier League account this season was Anthony Martial with a close-range finish to seal the 3-0 win in the 75th minute. In between was Marcus Rashford's penalty kick.
The Argentine winger was pleased with the important victory that secured his side a place in the top six of the Premier League and is ready for the away game against Galatasaray in the penultimate round of Champions League Group A on November 29. Man Utd are currently bottom of the table with three points, one behind Galatasaray and Copenhagen, while Bayern are already assured of going through as leaders.
"We have to win against Galatasaray," Garnacho stressed. "And then, at the weekend, we need to keep winning to stay close to the top four."
Garnacho was born in Madrid to a Spanish father and an Argentine mother. He joined the Man Utd academy in 2020 after a stellar career at Atletico. Garnacho - who played for the Spanish youth team - is considered a fast left winger, direct and a good finisher.
Garnacho won the FA Youth Cup and the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in May 2022. A month earlier, Garnacho made his first-team debut at the age of 17 in a 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea. In April 2023, Garnacho signed a new contract with United until the end of the 2027-28 season, earning a weekly salary of $63,000. He has now scored six goals and provided five assists in 52 appearances for the United first team.
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