AWESTRUCK Manchester United team-mates hailed Alejandro Garnacho for an overhead wonder goal rated “better than Rooney’s” – as the winger himself compared it to a strike from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Garnacho posted a split picture of his twisting opener in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton alongside a famous similar goal from his idol Ronaldo in 2018.
Red Devils’ legend Gary Neville instantly labelled the Argentinian’s effort as the best overhead goal he’s ever seen – including Rooney’s winner for United against Manchester City in 2011.
And Garnacho, 19, who celebrated with a Ronaldo-style Siu goal salute, said: “I couldn’t believe I scored it, to be honest.
“I didn’t see how I scored, I just listened to the crowd and said, ‘Oh my God’. One of the best goals I’ve scored – I’m very happy.”
He later shared a pic on X of the goal with the caption “Boom” – and used Instagram for a double image of his and ex-United hero Ronaldo’s strikes.
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Ron’s goal helped Real Madrid sink Juventus in the quarter-finals on the way to Champions League glory five years ago.
And United boss Erik ten Hag responded to Garnacho’s version by saying: “It was probably the goal of the season — a magnificent moment.”
Right-back Diogo Dalot even asked the teenager if he could go to the world goal of the year awards with him.
Dalot posted: “Take me with you to that Puskas Gala please… unbelievable Hermano!”
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And Red Devils’ central defender Lisandro Martinez – watching as he recovers from injury – wrote: “Well done Hermano, proud of you.”
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Neville raved: “I don’t thing I’ve ever been in a stadium where I’ve seen an overhead kick that good.
“And I was there for Rooney’s against Man City.”
Fans on social media called Garnacho’s finish “the coldest moment of the season”.
Other verdicts included: “Magical finish”… “sensational” … and “absolutely incredible”.
Some viewers also reckon Garnacho’s blossoming season shows how much he has learnt from ex-United frontman Ronaldo.
One claimed: “That’s Ron’s influence” and another added: “Following in the footsteps of his idol”.
A third suggested: “Just like Ronaldo’s goals, this will last long in the hearts of men.”
And even the usually droll Roy Keane couldn’t hold back.
He said: “It’s very hard to talk about it because I’ve never done it myself!
“I’m usually critical of goalkeepers, but I’ll let him off with this one, brilliant goal and a brilliant start from United. Brilliant goal.”
The cracking finish set United on their way to victory, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial also netting.
But Ten Hag warned against judging Garnacho too soon by Ronaldo’s standards.
The Dutchman said: “Don’t compare. For Garnacho to go that way he has to work very hard.
“You have to do it on a consistent basis and so far he has not. If you want to be a Rooney or Ronaldo you have to score 20-25 goals each season.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
