Alejandro Garnacho did his talking on the pitch as he made an immediate impact in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup 3-1 win over Cardiff, despite being met with boos from the crowd. The 21-year-old was brought on as a half-time substitute for Tyrique George and was greeted with jeers from the home fans at the Cardiff City Stadium as he touched the ball for the first time.

Sky Sports commentator Alan Smith noted, “They do not like him,” Unfazed by the hostile reception, Garnacho responded in the best possible manner, shrugging off the taunts and putting Chelsea ahead with a coolly executed finish shortly after his introduction.

Cardiff retaliated with a goal from David Turnbull to level the scoreline, but Chelsea regained their lead when Pedro Neto found the back of the net, restoring the Blues’ advantage.

Garnacho then secured his double and Chelsea’s spot in the semi-final with a cleverly taken goal in the box during stoppage time, earning himself the Player of the Match award.

Speaking to Sky, Garnacho showed his true colours as he praised Cardiff’s performance: “They [Cardiff] were a very strong team,” he said. “We weren’t focused on which league they play in. They did a really good job but we’re happy to be in the semi-final.

“They brought me on and I tried to help the team. Me, [Joao] Pedro and the rest of the players did that. We are really happy. As a group we are doing really well. Sometimes you have to start games and sometimes you have to help from the bench. We don’t focus on this, we just try to help the team.”

“We’ll try to compete for everything, and the semi-final is the next one so we’ll try to win.”

Garnacho has yet to make his mark at Chelsea after sealing a £40million transfer from United in the summer.

He has only started seven Premier League matches and netted once in 10 appearances to date.

The winger left Old Trafford following a disagreement with Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim.

After being omitted from Amorim’s starting line-up for last season’s Europa League final, Garnacho appears resolute in proving himself and is gradually becoming an integral part of the team in London.