We’ve all heard it. Not only the most iconic commentary in Manchester United history, but right up there with the most famous phrases in the entire history of the sport.
“Can Manchester United score? They always score.” Perhaps that will finally become the belief at Old Trafford once again after their spirited comeback performance against Aston Villa last night.
It had been seven hours since United last scored in any competition and 11 since anyone other than Scott McTominay was the one celebrating. Things were so bad that Jadon Sancho headed into the match as the last United forward to net a home goal in the Premier League.
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United have thrown a lot of money at trying to solve that scoring dilemma, but in the end, it could be a £100,000 compensation fee paid to Atletico Madrid that finally manages to help them do it.
Alejandro Garnacho was not only the scoring sensation last night; he was the creative talent that brought others into the game as well. Whenever he got on the ball, he made something happen and it is a credit to his mentality that even when United’s confidence waned, his remained as high as ever.
“Not arrogant, just better” is another of those famous phrases associated with United. It is personified by the Argentine ace, who has brought United hope when they have needed it the most this week.
Garnacho has made the left wing his own in recent matches, but it was from the right where he did his damage last night. He is the only forward worthy of a starting role in his current form and although he’d rather play on the left, it could be the other flank where he takes his transformation to the next level.
There is still only one place in the attack up for grabs, though. Rasmus Hojlund hasn’t always deserved to keep his, but there is no way he is losing it now after he finally netted his first Premier League goal.
Erik ten Hag has reiterated his faith in the £64 million man and has remained adamant that one goal could be all it takes for him to fulfill the huge potential that he brought to the club in the summer window.
Now that he has it, the onus is on him to build upon it and it already seems certain he will improve now that the growing weight of pressure and scrutiny has finally been lifted from his shoulders.
Hojlund was rightfully identified as a player with enormous potential, but it was only ever that: potential. It is far easier said than done to fulfill it and in order to do so, a lot of things have to go the right way.
What has been most annoying is just how painfully predictable it has all been. Through no fault of his own, he was almost set up for the inevitable disappointment that has followed.
He, like United, has been a cup player at best. Five goals in the Champions League is no mean feat, yet they all counted for nothing as United finished rock bottom of their group.
When the real pressure has been on and their sustainability has been tested across a Premier League season, both have struggled under the huge scrutiny to deliver every single week.
The obvious concern is that his first Premier League goal could be that. It was a moment of brilliant improvisation, and the task now is for him to find the level of goal return and consistency that have been put on him by his price tag and job description.
Both of the forwards deserve their shared moment in the spotlight on a memorable Old Trafford night, but before they can bask it in for too long, the challenge will be to go again at the weekend.
While the £64 million price-tag will always haunt Hojlund, the £100,000 one will inspire Garnacho.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
