Alejandro Garnacho found himself frozen out at Manchester United this summer before securing a £40million move to Chelsea, and has now spoken about the turbulent end to his time at Old Trafford
Alejandro Garnacho looks on
Alejandro Garnacho has spoken about his Manchester United exit(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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Alejandro Garnacho described being cast aside by Ruben Amorim as a "bad moment in life."
However, he refused to criticise Manchester United following an improved display in Chelsea's 1-0 triumph over Benfica in the Champions League. Garnacho arrived at United's academy in 2020 aged 16 and swiftly established himself as a favourite at Old Trafford after breaking through to the first team.
Nevertheless, his future at the club became uncertain after losing favour under Amorim, finding himself sidelined alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia as members of a five-man 'bomb squad' that trained in isolation during the summer. The 21-year-old winger ultimately secured a £40million switch to Chelsea in the transfer window to revitalise his career, with his cross leading to the own goal that dampened Jose Mourinho's return with Benfica on Tuesday evening.
However, when asked about the difficult conclusion to his United career, Garnacho opted against hitting back and avoided any direct reference to Amorim. He told TNT Sports: "I think it was a difficult moment there, just training alone.
"But I have nothing bad to say about the club, my old club Manchester United. It was just a bad moment in life but now I'm very happy to be here and to play in this competition and to get the three points today.
Alejandro Garnacho gestures
Alejandro Garnacho impressed against Benfica
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Garnacho has been gradually introduced to life at Chelsea by Enzo Maresca following the Argentina international's disrupted pre-season preparations. He remained on the bench during his return to Old Trafford a fortnight ago before enduring a challenging debut start for the Blues in their unconvincing League Cup triumph over Lincoln City.
There, he faced jeers from opposition supporters. However, Garnacho looked lively against Benfica and prompted the own goal that settled a closely-fought encounter.
His display earned him special recognition from Maresca after the match, with the Blues boss applauding his overall contribution. He said: "Alejandro was very good today. Not only on the ball but defensively, he was very good in the way he pressed.
"In the last third he has freedom to go one-v-one when he decides. To arrive in the box is important because it's from there we score. I was pleased with him.
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