Garnacho on his golazo, Puskás pride and World Cup target

• Alejandro Garnacho has been nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award

• Manchester United and Argentina star relives his incredible strike

• He also discusses his impressive development and World Cup ambitions

It’s a song which echoes around Old Trafford on every matchday as Manchester United fans serenade their electric young forward.

Viva Garnacho! Viva Garnacho! Running down the wing, hear United sing, Viva Garnacho!

Like many of the best football anthems, its beauty is in its simplicity, and the chant was originally coined to celebrate one of the club’s greatest players. The adaptation from ‘Viva Ronaldo’ has been seamless – and highlights the esteem in which Alejandro Garnacho is held.

“When I first joined United’s academy, I would always try to go to watch the first team play at the stadium,” says the man himself, who was just 16 when he signed for the club from Atletico Madrid in 2020. “I wanted to be there with the fans, but no-one knew me then! Now to hear them singing my name is just a dream. I remember when [Cristiano] Ronaldo was here, they were singing the same song with his name. Now they’ve changed it… I think it’s because of our names – Ronaldo, Garnacho – it sounds good! I like it.”

The chant was belted out with added gusto by United’s travelling support at Everton’s Goodison Park on 26 November 2023. Less than three minutes into the game, Garnacho scored a goal of breathtaking quality – a sensational overhead kick which rocketed into the top corner of the net.

The strike is one of 11 contenders for the FIFA Puskás Award, which celebrates the most spectacular goal of the year. If Garnacho comes out on top in the voting – which is open until 23:59 (CET) on Tuesday, 10 December – he will join an illustrious list of winners which includes the likes of Ronaldo, Neymar and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“It’s incredible for me, and for my family, just to be nominated,” says Garnacho, speaking exclusively to FIFA at United’s training complex. “To be the winner, it doesn’t depend on me… I will enjoy this and let’s see what happens in the end. But hopefully [I can win]. It would be very nice.”

Garnacho’s scorching strike required exceptional athleticism and ingenuity as well as supreme technique. Diogo Dalot sent a dipping cross towards the Argentinian, who launched himself into mid-air before manoeuvring his body and making a pure connection with his bicycle kick.

“Diogo crossed the ball, and it was a little bit behind me, so it was impossible for a header,” says Garnacho, with a glint in his eye as he relives his acrobatic heroics. “When the ball was in the air, I thought it was the moment to go for it. I had tried this technique so many times in training. I thought, ‘This is the time to do it, to see what happens.’ And I scored, so it was perfect!”

Indeed, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes later joked: “In training, Garna has been trying this too many times! He has scored one really good one!”

When Fernandes’ comments are put to him, Garnacho laughs and flashes a broad smile.

“It was not just Bruno! More people said, ‘Why are you always trying this, just head the ball!’ I said, ‘Relax, I am trying to do my thing.’ When I scored, I said to them, ‘This is why I’m training this finish every time!’

“After the goal, my team-mates had their hands on their heads. They were like, ‘How did you do this?’ Then my family and everyone texted me [after the game]. It was incredible.”

Garnacho’s Puskas-nominated stunner represents just one memorable moment from his burgeoning career.

Still just 20 years old, he has already emerged as a vital member of United’s squad. His importance is underlined by the fact that he has played in every first-team fixture for the club since he was an unused substitute in a clash at Burnley in September 2023. That sequence spans more than 50 matches, most of which he has started.

A dynamic, skilful attacker with excellent balance and control, Garnacho’s courage to take the ball and seize responsibility in the final third has helped him become fans’ favourite at Old Trafford. He has racked up 23 United goals – an impressive tally which includes the opener in the Reds’ 2-1 FA Cup final victory over derby rivals Manchester City in May.

“I’m always trying to improve,” says Garnacho. “From when I started in the first team two years ago, I have improved everything. I have matured my game. I have scored goals. As a team, we have won trophies. I think I am doing well but I will keep working to try to do much better – and try to win many things.”

Garnacho’s rapid development has also caught the eye of Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. He gave the forward his senior national team debut in June 2023 – Garnacho was just 18 at the time – and he recently stated Argentina “have lot of expectations” for the United star.

Garnacho was in La Albiceleste’s triumphant 2024 Copa America squad and, while he only started one match during their run to the title, says he greatly benefited from his first experience of a major international tournament.

An even bigger competition is now on the horizon, with the FIFA World Cup 26™ just over 18 months away.

Ambitious, driven and confident, Garnacho set out his hunger to elevate his game to greater heights – and ensure he is part of the Argentina team that will defend their crown in North America.

“To play for Argentina and with [Lionel] Messi is a dream for me,” says Garnacho. “I have to keep working [and] try to play better and better. I was at the Copa America with all the team. I didn’t play too much but just being around these players and winning the Copa was an incredible moment. Hopefully, for the next World Cup, I will be ready to play, and we will try to win.”