Alejandro Garnacho's actions following one particular win last season will have given Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca some early insight into his new signing's character
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United arrives ahead of the match between Manchester United and ASEAN All Stars at Bukit Jalil National Stadium
Alejandro Garnacho's actions after one Man United win give Enzo Maresca some vital insight into his character
(Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca can rest assured he's signed a player with a winning mentality in Alejandro Garnacho.
This comes after the ex-Manchester United winger's post-match actions last season demonstrated a commendable commitment to self-improvement. Garnacho, 21, sealed a £40million move to Stamford Bridge in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
The young talent ended his five-year tenure at Old Trafford following a supposed fallout with United manager Ruben Amorim. However, Garnacho's standing at Old Trafford wasn't always as tarnished as it was upon his exit. Just a year ago, his dedication following an opening-day triumph over Fulham left a lasting impression on supporters.
It was in August 2024 that Garnacho came on and set up fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee for the game's only goal in a tight victory over Fulham. But instead of heading home to celebrate his performance, the South American chose to spend his own time doing additional training after the final whistle.
The Daily Mail (via the Mirror) reported Garnacho visited the NAS Elite Sports Performance Centre in Manchester after the Fulham victory. The centre is popular among other Premier League players and provides physiotherapy, osteopathy, strength and conditioning, nutritional advice and other services, including phlebotomy, IV drip therapy and vitamin injections.
Former United team-mates Kobbie Mainoo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sofyan Amrabat are among the facility's previous clients. Ex-Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen has also utilised its services, whilst Blues defender Tosin Adarabioyo has previously been a customer too.
Chelsea Unveil New Signing Alejandro Garnacho at Stamford Bridge
Garnacho joined Chelsea in a £40million move late in the summer window
And it could well impress Maresca to discover his new signing is prepared to invest that level of effort to maximise his career potential. While others might be satisfied celebrating following an opening victory, Garnacho's focus was ensuring he achieved optimal post-match recovery.
The prospect might have experienced some disappointment with his display at home to Fulham last season given he squandered an open goal during the match. That came before he set up Zirkzee for the winner and potentially lingered in his thoughts despite playing a crucial part in the outcome.
That's exactly the aspect of Garnacho's mentality his new manager will be keen to develop in west London. And the initial indicators suggest the winger is going all-out in his bid to make an immediate impact under Maresca.
Enzo Maresca of Chelsea coach reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Fluminense FC v Chelsea FC at MetLife Stadium
Maresca has added the Argentinian to his abundant array of wingers
After his first training session as a Chelsea player, Garnacho's remarks revealed just how intensely he was striving to distinguish himself. "Can't move my legs now man," he told a member of Chelsea's media team. "I sprinted in the last one."
There are many United fans who didn't wish to see Garnacho sold given he was one of the club's most consistent contributors in attack over the past couple of seasons. However, it appeared his relationship with Amorim suffered irreparable damage.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni did not include the player in his most recent squad selection. This has allowed Garnacho additional time to train with his new team during the international break, and he could make his debut when Maresca's side return to action on Saturday as they head to Brentford.