Napoli's president Aurelio De Laurentiis has taken a brutal swipe at Manchester United, blaming a 'fault' at the club for Alejandro Garnacho's outcast position
19:46, 09 Jul 2025
HONG KONG, CHINA - MAY 30: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United looks up prior to the match between Manchester United and Hong Kong at Hong Kong Stadium on May 30, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Thomas Tang/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Alejandro Garnacho is a firm favourite of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
Napoli are leading the race to land Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho in a cut price £45m deal.
United are desperate to get rid of Garnacho in the wake of his bust-up with boss Ruben Amorim following the Europa League final defeat against Tottenham in May, when the winger hit out at his boss for starting him on the bench.
United value the Argentine winger at around £60m, but are willing to accept less in order to see him leave Old Trafford. It's understood United are in talks with Napoli, in the hope of striking a deal with the Italian champions.
Napoli are keen for Garnacho to link up with former Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne, who joined them on a free transfer earlier this summer.
And Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis reckons Garnacho will become twice the player once he escapes his United nightmare.
Head Coach Antonio Conte and President Aurelio De Laurentiis of SSC Napoli celebrate inside the team bus following the club’s Scudetto victory
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis fired shots at Manchester United
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He said: "Garnacho’s got pace, flair, potential… but that’s not even why we want him. We want him because he's at United. Get him out, and he becomes twice the player. There's a fault at United, I can't explain"
Garnacho fell out with Amorim after the Europa League final and was left out of the squad that beat Aston Villa in the final Premier League game of the season.
His behaviour ever since has left United bosses on a mission to bomb him out, with a string of petulant social media posts and behaviour marring his image.
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Garnacho is one of five players Amorim has blocked from returning to pre-season training, after telling them to stay away and resolve their futures.
United are hoping to receive suitable offers for Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. The Red Devils' ability to offload players is crucial to bringing in summer signings.
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Bryan Mbeumo's move from Brentford has stalled over the asking price despite the player giving the green light to United last month.