Alejandro Garnacho’s family moved to tears by Man United youngster’s crucial penalty

Published 10:59 12 May 2022 BST

Simon Lloyd

Alejandro Garnacho’s family moved to tears by Man United youngster’s crucial penalty

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Ah, football is good, isn't it? Not convinced? Set aside any club allegiances you might have for a second and just watch the video below, showing the family of 17-year-old Alejandro Garnacho in the seconds after he scored a crucial penalty for Manchester United's youngsters. United won their first FA Youth Cup in 11 years in front of a 67,000-strong crowd at Old Trafford on Wednesday, beating Nottingham Forest 3-1. https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1524404434310160384

Garnacho helps United to first Youth Cup win since 2011

United took an early lead through Rhys Bennett's header but were pegged back just before half-time when Joshua Powell's shot slipped through Radek Vitek in the United goal. The second half remained goalless until the final ten minutes, when Garnacho was brought down for a penalty in front of the Stretford End.

United's regular penalty taker, Charlie McNeill, had already been substituted, allowing the young Argentine to step up and take it. He kept his head, slotting the ball home before marking his goal with a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired celebration. Up in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, footage was captured of Garnacho's parents and grandparents reacting to the youngster's big goal. Understandably, it was an emotional moment. https://twitter.com/Stirling061/status/1524528721897701382

Garnacho caps impressive year at United

Garnacho has been a star performer for United's youngsters on their run to the final, scoring five times. In stoppage time, he put the result beyond doubt with his second, capping another memorable night. The Madrid-born Argentine made his first-team debut in the closing stages of United's Premier League draw with Chelsea recently. The former Atletico Madrid academy player was also called up to the Argentina squad in March, despite representing Spain at youth level. His progress at United has turned heads over the last 12 months, and Wednesday also saw him named Under-18s player of the year by the club.