Garnacho one goal away from equalling Cristiano Ronaldo: 'I don't focus on that'

On the eve of a crucial Europa League clash at Old Trafford, Alejandro Garnacho stands at the centre of attention not just for his growing influence on the pitch, but for his proximity to a milestone set by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, the player he has idolized since childhood.

Manchester United are set to host Athletic Bilbao on Thursday evening at 8:00 PM for the second leg of the semi-finals, holding a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg in Spain. But beyond the collective ambition of reaching the final, Garnacho has a personal chapter unfolding. With just one more goal this season, the 20-year-old Argentine will match the 27-goal tally that Cristiano Ronaldo reached across his first three seasons at the club between 2003 and 2006 a period that marked the beginning of Ronaldo’s legendary career at the top level.

While the comparison is flattering, Garnacho himself was quick to play it down during his press conference ahead of the match. “I'm not focused on the numbers,” he said with a calm and mature tone. “I think when Cristiano played here, he was a different player and it was a different kind of football. I just try to help the team win games.”

The winger, who has become a rare bright spot in an otherwise turbulent season for Manchester United, emphasized the hard work being done behind the scenes to improve. “Obviously, we’re training hard not to miss chances me, Rasmus [Højlund], and all the forwards so I think we’re improving and trying to do better,” Garnacho added. His humility, combined with visible dedication, has earned him respect not just from teammates, but from fans desperate to see a new generation of players take responsibility for the club’s future.

That responsibility feels heavier this season. United, under new manager Rúben Amorim, have endured one of their most disappointing domestic campaigns in recent memory. Currently sitting in 15th place in the Premier League, the club has struggled with consistency, tactical identity, and squad depth. Amid a long list of injuries and an unstable defensive record, Garnacho has emerged as one of the few players delivering moments of inspiration.

Earlier in the season, Amorim sparked controversy when he described this Manchester United side as “perhaps the worst team in the club’s history.” The comment, made in frustration after a string of poor performances, was met with mixed reactions. Some saw it as harsh and demoralizing, while others viewed it as a necessary wake-up call. Garnacho addressed those remarks directly when asked by the press.

“We know we’re not doing a good job in the Premier League,” he admitted. “But tomorrow is like a final, and we’ll approach it as if the score is 0-0.” His words echoed the urgency surrounding United’s European campaign. With Champions League qualification no longer realistic through league standings, winning the Europa League has become the club’s only remaining lifeline to restore prestige and secure top-tier continental football next season.

“If we win the Europa League, we’ll qualify for the Champions League and face next season with a different mindset and a different energy,” Garnacho added. “That would change everything not just for us players, but for the club and the fans. We want to give them something to believe in again.”

The significance of Thursday’s match goes far beyond just securing a place in the final. It’s a potential turning point a rare chance in a difficult year to reclaim momentum and provide hope for the future. For Garnacho, who joined United’s academy from Atlético Madrid in 2020, moments like this define a player’s growth. Having already made a habit of scoring important goals, he now stands on the verge of emulating one of the greatest to ever wear the shirt he proudly defends.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s early years at United were marked by flashes of brilliance, raw talent, and an eventual evolution into one of the world’s most complete attackers. While comparisons with such an iconic figure should be made cautiously, Garnacho’s trajectory has stirred excitement. Fast, fearless, and capable of decisive action in the final third, he has traits that draw natural parallels especially given his admiration for Ronaldo, whom he has often cited as his role model both on and off the pitch.

Should Garnacho find the net against Bilbao or in the matches to follow, he won’t just equal a statistical mark he’ll continue carving his own path, adding to a growing sense that he could be one of the pillars of United’s future.

As the Red Devils prepare to take the pitch on Thursday night, much is at stake. For the team, a spot in the Europa League final and the possibility of salvation after a difficult season. For the fans, a glimmer of pride and renewed belief. And for Garnacho, a chance to etch his name just a little deeper into the club’s long and storied history.