Alejandro Garnacho arrived at Manchester United as one of the club’s most exciting young prospects. Trained in both Spain and Argentina, the winger quickly captured attention with his flair, pace, and attacking instinct. However, the situation at Old Trafford has since taken a dramatic turn. Following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, including a painful exit from European competition, tensions within the club have intensified, and Garnacho has found himself at the centre of growing unrest.
Once celebrated as a rising star, Garnacho became a focal point for the wrong reasons. His relationship with new manager Rúben Amorim deteriorated significantly toward the end of the season. The dressing room atmosphere worsened, and the Argentine didn’t hide his frustration after United’s loss in the Europa League final, indirectly expressing his displeasure. That moment was seen as the breaking point. Meanwhile, Manchester United are already planning reinforcements, with Jean-Philippe Mateta quietly emerging as a serious target to strengthen the attack.
According to COPE and Relevo, as reported by Fichajes, United are now seriously considering parting ways with Garnacho. Atlético Madrid have emerged as one of the frontrunners to sign the 20-year-old. Diego Simeone views the winger as a strong fit for the next phase of his project, a player with the right mix of age, mentality, and attacking dynamism to thrive in the Spanish capital. Garnacho’s departure, if confirmed, would not just mark the end of a chapter at United but signal a shift in the club’s approach to its next generation.
Alejandro Garnacho in action, a United star now eyed by Atlético de Madrid
Born in Madrid and a former Colchonero youth product, Garnacho would not be opposed to a return to the Spanish capital. His connection to Atlético runs deep, and a move back to the Spanish capital could offer the reset his career needs. Preliminary talks between the player’s entourage and Atlético Madrid have already taken place, and while no agreement has been finalised, negotiations are said to be progressing steadily. With both clubs reassessing their projects and the player open to a change, the coming weeks could prove decisive.
In this context, retaining Garnacho no longer appears to be a realistic option. His relationship with Rúben Amorim is reportedly fractured beyond repair, and keeping a discontented player in the squad risks unsettling the dressing room. While some may argue that Garnacho’s raw talent warrants every effort to convince him to stay, the reality is more nuanced. His performances have lacked consistency, flashes of brilliance were often offset by long spells of invisibility, particularly in crucial matches.
Moreover, his public outburst following the Europa League final left a lasting impression. Questioning the team so openly is a breach of trust that club management is unlikely to ignore. Amorim, who has been granted full control over footballing matters, is clear in his approach: only players who align with his vision will have a place. If Garnacho cannot commit to that, then his departure is not just probable, it’s the most sensible outcome.
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Will Manchester United be losing a gem? Perhaps. But talent without commitment holds little value. The truth is, Garnacho never fully exploded in the way many had hoped. His development plateaued at key moments, prompting the club to explore alternative options. His exit could pave the way for the emergence of players like Amad Diallo or open the door for targeted new signings more aligned with the current vision.
In a rebuild of this scale, progress cannot be stalled for a player who is no longer part of the project. Allowing Garnacho to join a club like Atlético Madrid may carry some risk, but forcing him to stay in a broken relationship would be far more damaging. Letting him go might sting symbolically, yet from a sporting perspective, it’s a necessary step. A player who no longer believes in the direction of the club cannot be part of its future. United must focus on building a team around those who are committed, those who want to be part of the journey ahead.
In parallel, the club continues to evaluate other key areas. Manchester United have now turned their attention to Marcin Bulka, the 25-year-old goalkeeper from Nice, as they look to reinforce a position that has come under growing scrutiny.