Alejandro Garnacho missed a sitter in the closing stages of Friday’s Premier League encounter (Picture: Getty)
Marcus Rashford made sure to console Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho after his horror miss in the closing stages of their Premier League clash with Fulham.
New summer signing Joshua Zirkzee poked home a late winner from Garnacho’s cross to give Erik ten Hag’s side a narrow 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
But the substitute then spurned a golden opportunity to put the game to bed when he fluffed his lines to fire wide of an open goal.
The Argentine was visibly frustrated by the is at full-time but received some words of encouragement from Rashford, who set up the chance for Garnacho.
Giving his teammate a hug and a smile, Rashford could be seen telling Garnacho ‘don’t worry’ as other players arrived to console the winger.
While United got their season up and running with the win, manager ten hag conceded at full-time that his side had to sharpen their clinical edge and kill off games earlier.
‘We kept them under pressure, they had a lot of trouble, we created a lot of chances, I think,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
Garnacho was consoled by Rashford at full-time (Picture: Getty)
‘We should have scored earlier. That’s the only criticism I have for the team. Kill. Kill in the box.’
Zirkzee was the hero for his new club and Ten Hag was pleased that he and fellow substitute Garnacho linked up for the goal, showing the squad how important they all are.
‘Subs [are] always very important, it was good to see, first game that you bring a sub and he scores the winning goal,’ said Ten Hag.
‘I think that’s very good for the team process, for the spirit in the group. Everyone sees how important subs are and they have to be ready.’
Along with Zirkzee,Friday also saw a debut for Noussair Mazraoui at right-back and Ten Hag was impressed with the new arrival, especially as he is not fully fit.
‘I know him like this, he’s a great defender,’ Ten Hag said of the Moroccan he managed previously at Ajax. ‘But also very composed on the ball, attacking.
‘He’s not in full condition in his moment, when he’s at 100 per cent fitness he can do much more, but I’m very pleased with his performance. He did 70-75 minutes and now he has to build his fitness.’
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