Ruben Amorim fired back at Alejandro Garnacho ’ remarks criticizing his restricted involvement in the project Europa League final – reminding the Manchester United highlighted his own deficiencies when facing the goal.
Garnacho’s prospects at Old Trafford became uncertain following The 1-0 loss to Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday.
The Argentina international was named among the subs With Amorim fielding Mason Mount and Amad Diallo in his dual playmaker positions supporting Rasmus Hojlund, the 19-year-old entered the game with just 20 minutes left. He quickly made an impact, prompting a save from Guglielmo Vicario shortly after stepping onto the pitch.
Garnacho has begun every match in the previous rounds of the Europa League knockouts and has also started 23 out of United's 37 Premier League games this season.
'There were several elements absent – when you fail to score goals, you always feel like you need more towards the end,' Garnacho said to the Argentine press following the match. 'I participated in each stage leading up to the final, supported the team, and ended up playing for just twenty minutes today... I’m not sure why.'
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His brother, Roberto Garnacho, also blasted the United boss with a post on Instagram, accusing Amorim of ‘throwing him under the bus’.
Mount, a player Amorim has often lavished praise on since arriving in Manchester, forced his way into the first-team plans with an impressive showing against Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal , scoring two goals to propel United forward.
During that match, Garnacho failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity during a one-on-one situation against the goalie. Amorin referenced this incident when discussing his choice for team selections yesterday evening.
"Some players come into the match, such as Mason Mount, against Bilbao and change the course of the game," Amorim stated during his post-match press briefing.
'So now it’s simple to point out. Who squandered the major chance during the opening period against Bilbao? It was Garnacho.'
Garnacho's remarks have ensured his departure.
While the lineup and situation may be distinct, mounting friction between Ruben Amorim and Alejandro Garnacho is quickly evoking comparisons to a previous contentious conflict that rocked the club recently.
Jadon Sancho’s very public falling out with Erik ten Hag in August 2023 signalled the end of his time at the club – even if United are still scrambling to remove him from their books.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund wide player faced allegations of not meeting the expected criteria during practice sessions. This is definitely not an issue with Garnacho, as Amorim commended him earlier this year for his resolve and readiness to adjust to his strategies.
However, publicly disagreeing with his manager’s choices appears quite detrimental. It remains uncertain how things would have turned out if Garnacho had started against Tottenham, yet the winger shares equal blame for squandering significant opportunities this campaign. Highlighting that he participated in each stage of the knockout rounds en route to the final is indeed pertinent; however, scoring only once in the Europa League this season indicates that Amorin's choice was justified. Garnacho needs to step up and do better, which both he and his sibling possibly failed to recognize when tempers flared during yesterday’s match.
The broader scenario is that Garnacho has publicly challenged his manager during a time when the team is struggling, lurching toward the conclusion of a terrible campaign that has set new standards for poor performance.
Manchester United can’t afford for tensions to drag on as they did between Sancho and Ten Hag. With the club urgently seeking extra funds during the upcoming summer transfer window, this situation might make some tough choices a bit simpler.
Tony Mogan | Deputy Sports Editor, Axofa
'Certainly, nowadays we can easily discuss many perspectives. I simply watch the match and aim to handle matters effectively, enhance the squad, and strive to secure victories.'
‘I can see it both ways. I remember everything about the past so it is easy for me to respond to that question.’
Garnacho was dropped from the United squad back in December but forced his way back into the first-team at the turn of the year with Amorim previously praising his determination and eagerness to adapt to his system.
But the player’s post-match comments last night have cast huge doubt on his future once again.
When asked about his future, Garnacho said: ‘The game has an impact, but the season itself, the club’s situation… I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens next.’
Chelsea and Napoli both showed Interest in signing the Argentinian in the January transfer window.
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