Ruben Amorim named Alejandro Garnacho in his starting line-up to face Rangers despite his uncertain future.
Manchester United rotated heavily for Thursday night’s Europa League clash which was billed as the ‘Battle of Britain’.
This rotation saw Alejandro Garnacho start as the left-sided No.10 in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
In the background of this game, Garnacho is the subject of transfer rumours with Chelsea expected to imminently bid for the Argentine.
Garnacho is concerned about his position within Amorim’s team, yet the head coach has shown no sign of wanting rid of the No.17, and he was rewarded for his faith at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
In United’s 2-1 win over Rangers, among the very best performers was Garnacho.
Alejandro Garnacho one of Manchester United’s best players vs Rangers
With United actively negotiating the sale of Garnacho, the academy graduate put in a statement performance which could be interpreted in a variety of ways.
Garnacho’s display could be seen as the player fighting for his future and to prove his worth to the club.
But on the other hand, it will have impressed his possible suitors.
In the game against Rangers, Garnacho was a constant threat and dominated the right-back he was up against.
He didn’t score or assist, but completed the most dribbles in the game with three – and also hit the post as well.
Garnacho even impressed Rio Ferdinand just before the first goal: “Brilliant stop and start from Garnacho in wide areas. Beautiful.”
- 95 minutes
- 5 shots
- 87 per cent passing
- 1 chance created
- 1 hit the woodwork
- 53 touches
- 9 touches in the opponent’s box
- 3 dribbles
- 6 duels won
It was a performance which does make selling him look silly – and Old Trafford seemed to agree.
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
Old Trafford sings Viva Garnacho in clear message
With Garnacho’s exit looming, the fans on Thursday night were intent on letting the club know they weren’t in agreement with the move.
Around the 60th minute, renditions of the ‘Viva Garnacho’ chant broke out around Old Trafford and they continued for a couple of minutes.
The songs returned on occasion as the timing made it obvious that it was a message to Ineos. Ferdinand heard the chants and even tweeted about them.
Ineos are playing with fire in their decision to sell Garnacho, and if he goes on to be the world-beater that he shows signs of being – Sir Jim Ratcliffe could look red-faced.
It remains to be seen if he will go, but Old Trafford’s stance is clear.
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