Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag demands more from scorer Alejandro Garnacho after League Cup win

LONDON – Everybody has to perform to their highest standards, that is what Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag demands from his players on a daily basis.

On Tuesday, Alejandro Garnacho scored in the 3-0 League Cup third-round win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, receiving praise from ten Hag but also a warning that his previous performances this season were “not good enough”.

The victory followed last Saturday’s 1-0 success at Burnley in the Premier League. Tuesday’s result was more comprehensive, with the Argentinian winger putting United ahead with a clinical first-half strike, before Casemiro and Anthony Martial sealed the win before the hour mark.

The 19-year-old Garnacho started United’s first two matches of the season, but his appearance against Palace was the first time he was named in the starting line-up since the loss at Tottenham Hotspur on Aug 19.

“You have seen at the start of the season we played him but his contribution was not good enough,” ten Hag said.

“He has to learn when he does his job in defending, he will always have his moment and he will always be decisive because he has great qualities.

“As well, it’s not only off the ball. But I want to see like today, he is entering the box in the right spot to finish.

“Everyone likes him, I like him but we also have to demand from him and push him because he can act on a very high level. He has to show it every day.”

The United boss was more impressed by Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, who filled in at left-back on his first start for the club, before stepping into his preferred midfield role after half-time.

The 27-year-old joined the Red Devils on loan from Italian Serie A side Fiorentina on transfer deadline day and ten Hag is delighted by his versatility.

“That was one of the reasons we signed him, where the team needs him, he will play and he can play in more positions,” he said.

“Every player has his best position but he gives a certain dynamic in the game.”

The defensive midfielder himself called it a “perfect night”.

“I told the manager I play where you need me, even if it’s like a goalkeeper. I play where I can help the team. Today, it was left-back, but I had a bit of a free role,” Amrabat said.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, refused to answer questions about Jadon Sancho, after a report in Germany said the winger’s poor form and timekeeping issues was partly due to long sessions playing computer games.

Sancho has been training away from United’s first team after angering his manager when he wrote on social media that he was being made a scapegoat after being left out of a match at Arsenal earlier this season.

It was also reported that ten Hag is willing to allow him to return if he apologises, but so far he has not done so.

“I don’t talk about personal issues and I don’t talk about players who are not available,” the Dutchman insisted.

United will play Palace again in the Premier League on Saturday, also at Old Trafford, before another two home games against Galatasaray in the Champions League and Brentford in the league.

“Still a lot to come, we don’t think too far ahead, the next game is the most important, always,” said ten Hag.

“But we are making (progress) and we are moving forward.”

While United cruised comfortably, fellow Premier League sides Wolverhampton Wanderers and Luton Town were knocked out by lower-tier opponents.

Wolves went 2-0 up and then lost 3-2 at Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town, while Premier League newcomers Luton were beaten 1-0 at League One side Exeter City.

Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, without a win in the Premier League so far this season, overran League Two opponents Salford City 4-0 with a second-string team. AFP, REUTERS