Ruben Amorim remained coy on Alejandro Garnacho’s future after he played a starring role in Manchester United’s 2-1 win against Rangers on Thursday night. But he heaped praise on Garnacho’s performance and development and hailed his meteoric potential amid strong transfer links to Chelsea.
United could cash in on the 20-year-old winger before the January transfer window amid interest from Chelsea and Napoli.
The Red Devils are under mounting PSR and FFP pressure, having splurged over £600million on signings in less than three years under Erik ten Hag.
And reports claim that selling Garnacho at his £59m asking price would be worth three times as much on the club’s books due to his homegrown status.
It has engulfed the Argentine academy graduate’s future into uncertainty, with Chelsea preparing an opening offer ahead of the February 3 deadline.
However, many supporters interpreted Amorim’s post-match comments as a plea for United to raise cash by other means due to Garnacho’s high ceiling.
“I think he is improving in every aspect of the game. He was better today playing inside, also outside and changing positions,” Amorim explained at Old Trafford.
“He is improving the recovery position, and until 90 minutes, he is always there and helping.
“Sometimes, he shows some frustration because he wants more. I think he has the potential to be so much better in these situations of the game.
“But what I can say is he understood what I am trying to do, and I just want to be clear: I am trying to help them. In the end, it is them who do the job.”
When asked whether the Rangers clash was Garnacho’s last in United colours, Amorim added: “I am focused on the games and he is here.
“He is here playing for Manchester United. He was really important for us today, so let’s see in the next days.”
Uncertainty over whether he fits into Amorim’s 3-4-3 system has heavily contributed to exit speculation surrounding Garnacho.
But the No. 17 starlet’s talent, but more importantly his potential, can’t be understated, registering 23 goals and 14 assists in 119 appearances at an average of a contribution every 179 minutes.
This season, only Bruno Fernandes (19) and Amad (16) have been directly involved in more goals than Garnacho (13).
Whether Chelsea will meet United’s demands remains to be seen, but with time running out to fill the attacking void he’d leave behind, Amorim would surely prefer to retain Garnacho’s services.
