Alejandro Garnacho celebrates a stunning United opening goal against Real Sociedad.

At the Anoeta Stadium on Thursday night, in the 17th minute, a moment that proved to be thrilling occurred when potential turned into performance. This typically happens at a moment that may be described as "the moment when potential crystallizes into performance."

Thanks to his electric performances in the FA Youth Cup, Alejandro Garnacho hasn't been a mystery in Manchester for almost a year now. However, he hadn't truly made that transition from talked-about academy talent to breakout star. To this point.

This year has been full of memorable milestones for Garnacho, including his contributions to the Youth Cup victory, forcing his way into the first team picture, receiving a call-up for Argentina's national team, and making his debut for United. Garnacho has had a lot to celebrate this year. But this will be the best of them all.

It only took him three touches after receiving the pass from Cristiano Ronaldo early in a game that was really crucial for them to win in San Sebastian for him to announce himself on the international stage. Perhaps the only thing that worried United was the fact that the numbers on his upcoming deal were going up with each touch.

In the earlier parts of the game, he had been the most effective offensive player on the field. Nearly everything he did was constructive, and he frequently sought out opportunities to compete against Andoni Gorosabel, demonstrating his ability to outrun him.

When it came time for the goal, Ronaldo's ball off of Bruno Fernandes' header didn't require Garnacho to beat his man because his speed and the timing of his run had already done that. However, his control at speed was flawless, as was his touch to set up the opportunity. His maturity was beyond his years, as seen by the left-footed finish that he lifted high into the net.

It seemed appropriate that Ronaldo was the one to provide the assist, especially considering how well-balanced the ball was. Despite the criticism surrounding his performance at Old Trafford this season, he has had a great effect on the winger and has become something of a mentor. He is an idol for Garnacho, as he is for practically every 18-year-old in the game. Perhaps he recognized a part of himself in the way Garnacho was able to outrun his opponent while still maintaining a watchful watch on the ball. It's the kind of technique that a young Ronaldo honed on the wing before he stepped inside the box and became one of the most dangerous goal-scorers in the annals of the game's history.

This was Garnacho's first goal in his senior season, but he had a chance to score another just before the half-hour mark. He was able to take down two La Real defenders as he cut inside, but he lost his footing and fell as he tried to shoot with his left foot.

Just minutes before the start of this encounter, Erik ten Hag had mentioned to Garnacho that it was "minimum" necessary for him to replicate the performance he had turned in against Sheriff Tiraspol the previous week. He paid attention to the direction that was given. It's possible that he had trouble making an influence on the game in the second half, but every United attacking player on the field had the same problem at that point. It was no accident that they concluded the game with Harry Maguire playing in front of the net.

Garnacho turned in a magnificent performance in the first half, one that was full of confidence and class. At this point, it would be irresponsible to reserve him solely for the Europa League for much longer. His breakthrough feels like really terrible news for Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho, who have both had a difficult time making a consistent effect in the front three this season. Both of them have struggled to make a consistent impression.

This is the kind of performance that Sancho should be providing routinely, taking players on, moving inside or outside, and using his pace and talent to take players out of the game. Garnacho's performance is an example of this type of performance.

Garnacho is undeniably one of the most promising young players in United's possession. They have to take immediate action to ensure that his long-term wellbeing is taken care of.