Alejandro Garnacho may have just exposed Erik ten Hag repeating big mistake, shines light on one controversial decision

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There are fewer Manchester United players going away on the international break after three pulled out.

Kobbie Mainoo and Noussair Mazraoui were removed from their respective international squads on Monday night, 24 hours after the game against Aston Villa.

The pair followed Alejandro Garnacho, who had pulled out of the Argentina squad, citing an injury.

While United hope they will also be precautionary, there is a little reason to be concerned.

• READ MORE: Who is Alejandro Garnacho? Meet Man Utd’s dazzling Argentine

Alejandro Garnacho statement

Alejandro Garnacho put out a statement on his Instagram Stories to communicate his situation to Argentina supporters.

Garnacho provided an assist for Argentina in the past international break, and is evidently disappointed not to be able to build on that.

He wrote: “I had knee problems in the last two matches and I won’t be able to be with the national team but I hope to recover so I can be on the next date.”

Garnacho alarm

Alejandro Garnacho’s words are a little alarming. Garnacho’s comments that he ‘had knee problems in the last two matches’ show he has been playing through the pain.

While we want United players to show some resolve and resilience, there is a worrying aspect in play here for manager Erik ten Hag.

Last season Manchester United suffered hugely with injury problems, and selecting players through the injuries was a contributory factor to worsening the situation.

It is worrying to hear Garnacho was picked despite his knee problems, risking further injury.

United’s website had reported Garnacho was a doubt before the Porto game, and he did not start. He came off the bench at half-time, and then started against Aston Villa.

There is a lot of spotlight on Erik ten Hag at the moment, and his handling of player fitness was one area where there were doubts over him last season.

It is worrying that he may be repeating this error, with Garnacho admitting he has knee problems.

Erik ten Hag decision in Porto

Manchester United drew 3-3 in Porto, with the manager’s decision to replace Marcus Rashford at half-time heavily debated.

Rashford had a goal and an assist, playing one of his best games of the season, and was hooked by the manager.

Alejandro Garnacho was brought on, and it is even more peculiar that this was a decision the manager made, considering the Argentine was carrying an injury.

Kobbie Mainoo factor

Another factor into this is the Kobbie Mainoo timeline. The England midfielder suffered an injury against Tottenham, going for a scan on his hamstring.

Mainoo then missed the Porto game, although he did travel, and then started against Aston Villa.

Now he is out of the England squad amid an injury concern.

So did Mainoo suffer another injury against Aston Villa? If he did, was he rushed back too soon?

Or did he play while not fully fit?

Manchester United cannot take chances with players, especially two jewels of the academy, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

If United are too dependent on them, then it asks questions over the recruitment policy and lack of trust in alternatives.