Alejandro Garnacho: 3 Emotional Flashpoints Casting Doubt Over Manchester United Future

Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho: 3 Emotional Flashpoints Casting Doubt Over Manchester United Future

Festus Chuma 05:00 - 23.05.2025

Alejandro Garnacho’s limited role in a key match sparks questions about his future and growing tensions within Manchester United.

Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Manchester United appears increasingly uncertain after a stormy fallout surrounding the club’s Europa League final defeat by Tottenham.

United's season ended in heartbreak and without European football next year, it was Garnacho’s omission from the starting line-up—and his reaction to it—that has ignited serious speculation over a potential summer exit.

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Despite being one of the few bright spots in a troubled season, the 20-year-old winger was benched for the final in favour of Mason Mount.

“Up until the final I played every round helping the team, and today I play 20 minutes, I don't know,” Garnacho said.

“The final will influence [my decision] but the whole season, the situation of the club. I'm going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens afterwards.”

The decision by head coach Ruben Amorim to limit Garnacho’s involvement in such a high-stakes game came as a surprise to many, especially after the winger had contributed consistently through earlier rounds.

Garnacho, who was previously linked with Chelsea and Napoli in January, posted a throwback image on social media hours before the match, celebrating United's past glories in the 2024 FA Cup and Community Shield — a subtle but pointed reaction to being left on the bench.

The public friction was further inflamed by Garnacho’s brother, Roberto, who slammed the coaching staff on Instagram.

“Working as no-one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus,” he wrote.

Limited Role in Final Raises Eyebrows

Alejandro Garnacho

Amorim defended his tactical decisions post-match, pointing to Garnacho’s miss in the semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao as a key factor.

“How many times have we had this conversation, and it was the opposite? Some players come in, like Mason Mount, against Bilbao and changed the game. So now it is easy to say. Who missed the big opportunity in the first half against Bilbao? Yeah [Garnacho],” said Amorim.

The Argentine was previously forced to apologise to former manager Erik ten Hag after liking critical posts about him.

Amorim also benched Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in December for what he described as poor "training performances, game performances and engagement with team-mates."

Fractures in Relationship with Amorim and Growing Tensions

Alejandro Garnacho

Frustrations boiled over again in February when Garnacho stormed down the tunnel after being subbed off against Ipswich — an act that led to another apology to his teammates.

Given United’s precarious financial position and the value of home-grown players under Premier League sustainability regulations, Garnacho’s sale could be a tempting option this summer.

If Garnacho stays, as some insiders hope, he will need to prove himself anew—both on the field and behind the scenes. Otherwise, his dream at Old Trafford may come to an abrupt and emotional end.

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