Alejandro Garnacho’s Chelsea teammates ‘went for him’ after his meek first-half performance against Manchester United.
The Blues were beaten 1-0 by Michael Carrick’s side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night, a result that served as a huge blow to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Another defeat to Brighton on Tuesday – their fifth on the bounce – has heightened the panic around Stamford Bridge with Liam Rosenior under growing pressure.
Garnacho was left out of the starting XI against his former club at the weekend, as he was in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford earlier in the season. But an injury for Estevao Willian saw him brought on after 16 minutes.
The Argentina international was at fault for United’s opener, letting Bruno Fernandes burst past him to provide the cross for Matheus Cunha’s goal that won the game.
Cole Palmer was spotted berating his teammate as United celebrated with Garnacho’s role also criticised by Chelsea legend Joe Cole, who told TNT Sports: ‘If you are going to get back there, deal with it, deal with the problem.’
Garnacho did not have a shot, create a chance or complete a take on in the first period with Diogo Dalot enjoying himself up against his former teammate.
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According to The Sun, tempers flared in the dressing room at the interval with some Chelsea players ‘going for him,’ the report claims.
Garnacho completed the game but continued to have little impact, jeered by the travelling United support throughout.
After the game, Luke Shaw shared a picture of him winning the ball from his former teammate with Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zikrzee, Mason Mount, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez and Shea Lacey among those to like or comment on it.
Garnacho left United in acrimony last summer after he publicly criticised Ruben Amorim following their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
The former Atletico Madrid youngster was dropped for that game in favour of Mount, who had scored twice in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.
Garnacho subsequently joined United’s ‘bomb squad’ – the clutch of players exiled from pre-season training and the pre-season tour while they secured moves away.
The rest of the United squad was said to be pleased the winger did not travel with the group as it helped protect squad harmony.