Manchester United version of Alejandro Garnacho will be key to Aston Villa tactical change

Alejandro Garnacho is at a pivotal point in his career after completing a move to Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old was all the range just a couple of years ago but has seen his stock decline drastically.

After failing to make a mark at Chelsea, the winger has moved on loan to the Lions, with the deal containing a conditional obligation to buy

Garnacho now needs to prove himself to Unai Emery as he gets ready to convince fans at Villa Park.

The Spanish manager will surely be working closely with the attacker at Bodymoor Heath in the coming weeks to bring out the best in him.

There's no doubt about the winger's potential, which was clearly evident during his time at Manchester United.

What Alejandro Garnacho can do at Aston Villa

Looking back at Garnacho's 2023-24 campaign at Man United, Emery will be getting an impressive talent if he can help the forward find his feet.

In 36 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, the left-winger scored seven goals, provided four assists and created six big chances, as per Sofascore.

With the Argentine forward's confidence at an all-time high during that time, he averaged 2.8 shots and completed 1.3 dribbles per game.

Such was Garnacho's threat at Man United that he recorded 1.3 key passes per game and won two penalties.

At Chelsea, that was nowhere to be seen as he scored just one goal.

One aspect of the attacker which Emery will hope to drastically improve from his time at Stamford Bridge is his successful dribbles per game record of 0.6, as he's evidently capable of more.

How Unai Emery could set up at Villa Park next season

Aston Villa News have covered the possibility of Emery moving to a possession-based style at Villa after replacing Morgan Rogers with Johan Manzambi.

Now with Garnacho's pace at the Spanish manager's disposal, quick transitions could still be a part of the plans.

What Emery should also demand from the winger is stretching the opposition defence and taking on his man when presented with the opportunity.

With the Spanish manager possibly shifting to a 4-2-3-1 formation out of possession as well next season, the ex-Chelsea attacker can be the preferred option out wide.

Emiliano Buendia often opted to operate narrow, but Garnacho can use his skills to change how Emery approaches games.

In August 2024, speaking about the forward, Erik ten Hag said, "Garnacho definitely has it in him to become that player. If you want to be that player - world class - then you have to do it consistently and he has a high potential."

It's now up to Emery to help Garnacho realise his potential at Villa Park, which the head coach is definitely capable of.