Man United: Is Alejandro Garnacho Leaving?

Alejandro Garnacho has always worn his heart on his sleeve, a winger full of flair, confidence, and raw emotion. But after a disappointing Europa League final that saw Manchester United fall short against Tottenham, the 20-year-old’s latest actions both on and off the pitch have fuelled growing speculation about his future at the club.

Just hours before United’s biggest game of the season, Garnacho posted two old photos of himself celebrating during last year’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City. The timing? Telling. The images were shared shortly after the official team news revealed he wouldn’t be in the starting XI. The photos came with no caption, but their meaning was hard to miss at least for fans online.

Left Out of the XI, Not Out Of the Spotlight

Instead of leading the line as he had done during United’s earlier Europa League rounds, Garnacho was left on the bench, watching the first 70 minutes of the final unfold from the sidelines. He sparked the game when he was eventually brought on, but the clock wasn’t on his or his team’s side. Spurs held on for a narrow 1-0 win, and United ended their dismal season without silverware. In the aftermath, Garnacho didn’t mince words.

“Our season was shitty and now we lose the final. We can’t beat anyone in the league.. (…) I played every round of UEL until now, then comes the final and I only play 20 minutes. I don’t know, I will try to enjoy the summer and then see what happens.”

That quote dropped with the frustration of a player feeling both overlooked and exhausted, hit hard with fans and pundits alike. The implications were clear, this is not just about one game. It might be about everything that has been building up all season.

A Rift With Ruben Amorim?

Since Ruben Amorim arrived at Manchester United, Garnacho’s minutes have been sporadic. Amorim’s rigid 3-4-3 structure does not fit the Argentine’s natural attacking instincts. Garnacho has not helped himself either, with the 20-year-old displaying inconsistent performances and missing golden chances to score in almost every game he played. 

One couldn’t entirely blame the manager. Whether it’s being left out of crucial matches or the shift in tactical approach, the winger appears to be drifting further from the core of United’s plans. Some fans, however, feel his reaction, both on social media and in interviews, hints at immaturity.

One frustrated supporter wrote, “His attitude stinks, keeps going on like this they can show him the door, kid needs to realize he ain’t no Ronaldo he’ll never will be.” Another added: “He’s such a sore loser, man plays for himself, not for the team.” But not everyone was ready to slam the youngster. “Doesn’t take rotation well! It’s a 90-minute game… tactical approach,” one more forgiving fan chimed in, suggesting Garnacho’s benching might have been a strategic decision rather than a personal snub.

Still, for a player featured in every Europa League round leading up to the final, not being given a start in the club’s biggest game of the season felt like a punch in the gut—one that’s now public.

Transfer Rumors Swirl, Who’s Watching?

With Garnacho openly admitting uncertainty about his future, European clubs are circling. Napoli are reportedly in talks with United over a deal that could exceed £65 million. Chelsea have also kept tabs, though nothing concrete has materialized. But perhaps the most sentimental option is a return to his roots which is Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish side, where Garnacho spent his youthful years before moving to Manchester, is said to be interested in bringing the winger home. Reports claim he wouldn’t be opposed to rejoining the La Liga outfit, especially if regular starts are on the table.

United, for their part, are at a crossroads. Financial pressures linked to Profit and Sustainability rules could make a high-value sale like Garnacho’s almost appealing, if not necessary. He’s under contract until 2028, but that means little if both player and club no longer share a vision. Losing the Europa League could cause serious dents to United’s approach in the transfer market next season, and selling Garnacho might just be a desperate move, whether they like it or not. 

Final Thoughts

Garnacho’s outburst may have been emotional,  heat-of-the-moment after a crushing final, but it’s hard to ignore the deeper current. For a player tipped as one of United’s future stars just a year ago, his place now feels uncertain. If he stays, Amorim must find a way to get the best out of him. 

If not, Garnacho may become another name on the long list of United Academy products that shined bright but briefly. For now, the player says he’ll “try to enjoy the summer,” but United fans will be watching closely, not to see what Garnacho posts next, but where he ends up when the dust settles.