Alejandro Garnacho has snapped back at a fan outside Old Trafford ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash on Thursday night. The Argentinian forward was signing autographs for fans before he entered the ground for the game with PAOK, when he was accosted by a home supporter.
The forward turned in a poor display in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, something the man in question appeared to be mocking him about.
“Garnacho you’ve got to pass better today yeah, please? Just pass better today,” he said.
Initially, the 20-year-old forward ignored the comments, and turned away from the fan. However, that didn’t deter him from continuing his rant.
“Score a goal, and work on your first touch as well yeah?” At that point, Garnacho turned to the man and pointedly said “Why are you not playing?” before walking away.
Unperturbed, the supporter continued to talk after the player had headed towards the entrance. “Well he did not like that,” he said, while laughing to himself.
Garnacho was considered one of the few bright spots in United’s 2023/24 season, scoring 10 times in 50 club appearances. But he has struggled to replicate that form in this campaign, and was singled out for criticism after Sunday’s clash.
He missed two clear-cut chances against the Blues, and was regularly wasteful in possession. And along with Marcus Rashford his display, and work rate, was later savaged by Gary Neville.
“I’m not going to dig Rashford and Garnacho out – but I am,” he said on The Gary Neville Podcast. “Because they are two players who have come through the ranks. With that comes some credit, the fact that you’re an academy player and you get a level of buy-in from the fans because of that.
“The first ethic is that you have to work hard. I’m not saying that Garnacho and Rashford do not work hard, but they can work harder. I know that. That’s in their defensive work – which then, I think, gives you the reward in your attacking play.”
Despite the performance, Garnacho has retained his place in the starting XI for the visit of PAOK. Rashford meanwhile, has dropped to the bench with Amad Diallo taking his place.
