Ruben Amorim fired back at Alejandro Garnacho’s comments criticising his limited role in the Europa League final – reminding the Manchester United star of his own shortcomings in front of goal.
Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford was thrown into doubt in the wake of Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in Bilbao.
The Argentina international was named among the subs with Amorim starting Mason Mount and Amad Diallo in his two no10 roles behind Rasmus Hojlund. The 19-year-old came off the bench with 20 minutes of the contest remaining, forcing a save out of Guglielmo Vicario almost immediately.
Garnacho started in every previous round of the knockout phase of the Europa League having also started 23 of United’s 37 Premier League matches this term.
‘There were a lot of things missing – when you don’t score goals, you always need more at the end,’ Garnacho told the Argentine media after the game. ‘I played every round until we reached the final, I helped the team, and to play twenty minutes today… I don’t know.’
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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 a fine display against Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final, scoring twice to send United on their way.
In that same game, Garnacho was guilty of missing a glorious chance one-on-one with the goalkeeper – with Amorim reminding the winger of that moment when explaining last night’s selection decision.
‘Some players come in, like Mason Mount, against Bilbao and changed the game,’ Amorim said in his post-match press conference.
‘So now it is easy to say. Who missed the big opportunity in the first half against Bilbao? Garnacho.
Garnacho’s comments have sealed his exit
The cast and circumstances are different, but the brewing tension between Ruben Amorim and Alejandro Garnacho is already drawing parallels with another ugly stand-off that engulfed the club not long ago.
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 former Borussia Dortmund winger was accused of failing to meet the required standards in training – something Garnacho is certainly not guilty of with Amorim praising the Argentine for his determination and eagerness to adapt to his methods earlier this year.
But openly challenging his manager’s decisions is a rotten look. We will never know what might have happened had Garnacho started against Tottenham but the winger has been as guilty as anyone of missing big chances this season. Arguing he has played every round of the knockout stages leading to the final is a valid one – but just one goal in the Europa League this season suggests Amorim’s decision had its own merits. Garnacho can and should be doing more, something he and his brother may have overlooked as the red mist descended last night.
The bigger picture is Garnacho has openly defied his manager at a moment where the club is reeling, staggering towards the end of a disastrous season that has broken records in mediocrity.
United cannot afford to let the tension draw out like it did between Sancho and ten Hag. And with the club desperate to raise additional funds in the summer transfer window, one of their tougher decisions may have just got a little easier.
Tony Mogan | Assistant Sports Editor, Metro
‘Of course, now it is easy for us to talk about a lot of views. I just look at the game and try to manage things and improve the team and try to win games.
‘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 Argentine during the January transfer window.