In challenging seasons, Manchester United has frequently sought out scapegoats. It's a recurring theme — gifted athletes transform into icons of disappointment, sidelined to imply progress while the underlying issues remain unaddressed. Alejandro Garnacho has become the newest player ensnared in that ongoing cycle.
The 20-year-old, showcasing his electrifying talent while still grappling with decision-making, has emerged as a central figure in United’s ongoing struggles. As the club navigates yet another transition, the suggestion to offload Garnacho this summer resonates less as a calculated move and more as a familiar pattern — a budding talent potentially sacrificed due to a disconnect between manager and player.
Europa Fallout
When Ruben Amorim couldn’t get the job done against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, Gambling.com reports that he first communicated to his squad his intention to stay with the club for the upcoming season, while also advising Garnacho, the 20-year-old winger, to seek opportunities elsewhere. Worse yet, he did so in the presence of Garnacho’s teammates.
The moment marked the peak of a tumultuous connection. Garnacho was left out of the starting lineup for the Europa League final against Tottenham. He was brought on in the 71st minute — a choice that impacted a player who flourishes on confidence and trust.
Garnacho expressed his feelings candidly in the media area: “It's a tough situation for everyone involved. The season has been disappointing, culminating in a loss in the final tonight, and our performance in the league has been underwhelming, as we failed to secure a win against any opponent—that's the reality. I’ve participated in every round, and today, to be on the pitch for 20 minutes... I'm uncertain.”
His brother intensified the situation, claiming Garnacho had been “thrown under the bus.” The aftermath, as expected, has divided fans — yet it's undeniable that the player-coach dynamic has suffered significant harm.
Looking beyond the statistics
Garnacho has his share of imperfections. At times, he pushes too hard, miscalculates a pass, or falters when it matters most. Yet, there’s an elusive energy in his style, a classic winger’s determination that seems uncommon in today’s landscape of strict positional play. He has netted 11 goals and provided 10 assists in a struggling United team this season. He has been absent for only one of the club's last 104 matches.
To provide some context, Garnacho has made a notable impact, scoring 24 goals as well as providing 24 assists across 93 appearances in the Premier League. Cristiano Ronaldo reached a remarkable tally of 25 goals after 82 appearances. The comparisons may not be flawless, yet they highlight the exceptional quality Garnacho offers, along with his remarkable resilience in staying available.
More to the point, he’s just 20 years old!
Cashing in On Garnacho Is Dangerous
From a financial standpoint, parting ways with Garnacho would align with the club's Profit and Sustainability Report (PSR) obligations. Acquired for £150,000 from Atlético Madrid, any future transfer would represent a straightforward profit. Napoli's initial offer of £40 million has already been rejected. However, capitalising on one of the rare recent achievements among the youth seems perilously focused on immediate gains.
And that raises a crucial point: how many talents akin to Garnacho are currently being produced, acquired, or nurtured by United? Amidst a lacklustre team, he continues to shine brightly. If he were at a different club, it's likely that United would be shelling out more than they would gain to acquire him.
Manchester United legend warns the club about selling Garnacho
Club icon Dwight Yorke believes that the Red Devils would be making a significant error if they choose to part ways with the young talent, a point he emphasised in a recent interview:
“It would be utterly unthinkable for Manchester United to consider parting ways with Alejandro Garnacho. At such a young age, he’s already making waves as a promising talent. With the immense pressure at United, it’s only natural to witness some fluctuations in his performance. The concern lies in the lack of depth in the squad to provide adequate rest for him, as the substitutes do not match his calibre. At his age, he is logging too many minutes, and I can understand that predicament.
“If he takes a break, he could return with renewed intensity. He requires that growth experience, and it’s the manager's responsibility to facilitate that process. However, he isn't receiving adequate rest since the team can't afford to give him a break. He appears somewhat fatigued, but it would be unwise for United even to consider parting ways with him.”
What Lies Ahead for Alejandro Garnacho?
The young star has not yet made a decision regarding his future. However, The Independent reported last week that newly-crowned Italian champions Napoli are interested in acquiring the Argentine star amidst the £70 million price tag. At the same time, Chelsea and Aston Villa has also been mentioned in connection with him in the past. |
