Following Manchester United’s loss to Tottenham in Bilbao, speculation surrounding Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford intensified. ..Continue Reading
The Argentine winger was left on the bench as Amorim opted for Mason Mount and Amad Diallo in the attacking midfield roles behind Rasmus Hojlund.
Garnacho was introduced late in the game and quickly tested Guglielmo Vicario with a shot on target.
Despite featuring in every previous knockout round of the competition, Garnacho was overlooked for a starting role, having also started many of United’s Premier League matches this season.
‘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 match.
‘I played every round until we reached the final, I helped the team, and to play twenty minutes today… I don’t know.’
Garnacho’s brother, Roberto, took to Instagram to criticize Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, accusing him of unfairly sidelining the young winger.
Mason Mount, whom Amorim has consistently praised since taking charge at United, cemented his place in the starting lineup with an impressive performance in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, scoring twice to help secure the team’s spot in the final.
After the match, Garnacho spoke to the Argentine media, expressing his frustration over his limited role.
In that same semi-final, Garnacho squandered a golden opportunity in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper—a moment Amorim referenced when justifying his selection choices for the final.
‘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.
‘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 in December but forced his way back into the first-team at the turn of the year with Amorim praising his determination and eagerness to adapt to his system.
But the player’s post-match comments last night have now cast huge doubt on his future.
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 winger during the January transfer window.
