Darren Ambrose believes Leeds United now have a ‘future star’ on their hands in Wilfried Gnonto. The winger thrilled with a big performance at Manchester United on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old left Ambrose in awe after producing a rapid start to score just 55 seconds into the Old Trafford affair. Gnonto drilled home into the bottom corner of David de Gea’s net to break the deadlock early on. The Red Devils afforded the Italian far too much space.
Leeds would also grab a 2-0 lead three minutes into the second half when Raphael Varane diverted Luis Sinisterra’s cross. But it was Gnonto’s pass that fed his Colombian teammate to drill across the box. He was a thorn in Manchester United’s side throughout the match.
Gnonto showed great pace against Manchester United while offering Leeds a wide threat willing to run at the Red Devils. He has also now scored four goals in 13 matches across all competitions with the Whites. Two of his strikes have come in 10 Premier League outings.
Leeds signed Gnonto from FC Zurich last September for only £4m under Jesse Marsch. But the eight-cap international did not break through until October and recorded his first assist in his second top-flight appearance. But it remains his only assist for the Elland Road outfit.
Ambrose feels Gnonto is a ‘future star’ after scoring for Leeds at Manchester United
Gnonto has now scored twice over his 10 Premier League appearances after firing Leeds in front in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Manchester United. He opened his English top-flight tally in January at home to West Ham United. His effort against the Irons also led to a 2-2 draw.
The Italian broke the deadlock against the Hammers with a sensational scissor-kick volley. It drew comparisons to Paolo Di Canio’s iconic goal for West Ham against Wimbledon back in 2000. But his compatriot’s legendary attempt came further out and also from a tighter angle.
Nonetheless, Ambrose now feels Gnonto is a superstar in the making at Leeds following his goal at Manchester United. He also adds the Whites will be thrilled he is on their accounts.
“Absolutely,” Ambrose told Sky Sports News (08/02, 22:03). “You can see the talent. The game had just kicked off and I was about to talk about Gnonto and [Manchester United‘s Alejandro] Garnacho and the potential of those two players.
“As I was saying it, Gnonto came up with an outstanding finish. We see the other day when he scored a Di Canio-esque volley, [he’s a] very, very talented football player. He’s a future star and Leeds are going to be pleased to have him.”
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