After a terrible 2024/25 season, Manchester United look ahead to the next campaign to try and bounce back. As they have already made a couple of transfers in this window and intend to spend a lot more, they need to sell some players, especially with the club’s current financial state. However, Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly rejected a move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Alejandro Garnacho Rejects Al Nassr Move Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s Pull
European Transfer Prioritised
Mike McGrath, of The Telegraph, has revealed that Garnacho has “rejected [the] opportunity to pursue [a] move to Al Nassr”. A Saudi transfer would’ve brought great financial fruits for the player but also the club, as SPL bids are often huge in an attempt to attract Europe’s top talents.
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As per Fabrizio Romano previously, the Argentinian informed his club that he wanted to leave this summer, with an agreement reached between the two. However, Garnacho reportedly prioritises a European move, despite Manchester United “legend” Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Al Nassr. The “starboy” has unlimited potential, and to become one of the world’s best players, he will need to stay in Europe, playing for a Champions League side.
Does An Alejandro Garnacho Departure Hurt Manchester United’s Depth?
The wide positions were once a strength of Manchester United’s, though they now look slightly quiet. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are other players to have asked for a transfer this summer, whilst Antony may move on after a loan spell at Real Betis. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo struggled with injuries last season.
Whilst Ruben Amorim’s system includes wing-backs and slightly narrower support players rather than full-backs and wingers, the departure of Garnacho will still hurt. The 21-year-old worked well in this position, and United are really just left with Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and newly signed Matheus Cunha (though striker Joshua Zirkzee could fill in).
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Therefore, they must dip into the market again, with interest lying in Bryan Mbeumo. With United selling one player and signing another, fans would be forgiven for questioning why this was necessary. Garnacho was a proven player with a lot more years left in his career than Mbeumo. Even keeping both would be a fine move, with their depth quite shallow. The Red Devils may regret not keeping their player happy.