Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Manchester United’s record academy sale, Alejandro Garnacho, has bid the club farewell on deadline day.
The situation that saw Manchester United left with almost no choice but to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho is never ideal for any club.
An academy graduate at United, signed for peanuts from Atletico Madrid and became a bona fide star under Erik ten Hag, it was the United way.
However, Garnacho always had complaints over his attitude, from social media actions to comments in the media, his talent has no doubt taken away from his brilliant talent.
The writing was on the wall since May, when Ruben Amorim blasted Garnacho to find a new club, and it took until the final weekend of the window, but he finally managed it.
Chelsea unveil Alejandro Garnacho after Manchester United move.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho says goodbye to Manchester United
Chelsea unveiled its latest signing over the weekend, with United receiving £40m for Garnacho, which feels like a bit of a loss considering he was worth double that 12 months ago.
In his first interview for the Blues, Garnacho took an indirect swipe at United, claiming that he has always been a fan of Chelsea and indicating that the Red Devils were merely a stepping stone.
Now, two days following the announcement, Garnacho has finally decided to share a farewell message to United fans.
“Dear Manchester,” Garnacho wrote in his Instagram post.
“After an unforgettable five years, this special chapter in my life now comes to a close. We have created moments that will stay with me forever, and I’m very grateful for this.
“To the coaches, staff, and my teammates, thank you for believing in me. Every time I wore the badge, I gave everything I had.
“I leave proud of what we achieved together and excited for what’s to come. Wishing the club nothing but success for the future, while I look forward to giving my all in the next chapter of my career.”
The message reads well; however, the length of time it took to come and his comments to Chelsea mean fans won’t be quick to forgive the Argentine, and a frosty reception awaits him on September 20th at Old Trafford.
One person who will be happy to see Garnacho is Kobbie Mainoo, with the 20-year-old sending a message to his former teammate and friend.
“All the best bro”, followed by a heart emoji, Mainoo wrote.
Manchester United failed Alejandro Garnacho
As badly as Garnacho’s time at the club ended, we cannot help but think that, in hindsight, United and Ten Hag failed the once-talented youngster.
Ten Hag placed far too much importance on Garnacho from a young age, which eventually led to him having burnout and developing the attitude that has been so frustrating to watch.
When considering this, the lack of game time Mainoo has this season under Amorim might actually be a good thing, taking the pressure off him, which should lead to longevity.
Garnacho is an example of how not to handle a teenage talent, and hopefully it is something that Amorim will know for the future with the future waves of wonderkids at United.