Alejandro Garnacho left Manchester United to join Chelsea this summer after the Argentinian star fell out of favour with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts on the pitch
Alejandro Garnacho claimed he had no regrets over leaving Man United
View 3 Images
(Image: 2025 Catherine Ivill - AMA)
Manchester United may have regarded Alejandro Garnacho as one of the club's future stars, but the player evidently had different ideas.
Chelsea secured Garnacho's signature from United in August for £40million following a breakdown in his relationship with United manager Ruben Amorim.
Just over a year earlier, in December 2024, United had publicly celebrated Garnacho after the 21-year-old winger claimed the FIFA Puskas Award, demonstrating considerable admiration for their player.
Despite the affection shown towards Garnacho by his former club, it seems the feeling wasn't entirely mutual, with Garnacho expressing no remorse about departing the red half of Manchester.
The Argentinian claimed the award for his spectacular strike against Everton in November 2023, where he executed a remarkable overhead kick.
After the goal was recognised as the finest scored globally between August 2023 and August 2024, United made certain to praise their young talent. Their statement suggested a lengthy future together between player and club.
A United statement read: "Congratulations to Alejandro Garnacho, who is the winner of the FIFA Puskas Award for 2024. The Manchester United winger has been recognised for the stunning, acrobatic bicycle kick he netted at Everton in November 2023. Well done to our No. 17, and thanks to all those who supported him. It's a goal that we'll cherish for years to come."
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United scores the team's first goal the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on November 26, 2023
Garnacho won the Puskas award for his wonder strike against Everton in November 2023
View 3 Images
(Image: Getty Images)
Garnacho even followed in the footsteps of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, and became just the second United player ever to be named the winner of the award after the Portuguese icon. Ronaldo was the inaugural recipient back in 2009 for his long-range strike against FC Porto in the 2008/09 season while playing for United.
However, a year on and Garnacho is in Chelsea blue. After departing Old Trafford, the winger candidly admitted that his farewell wasn't a difficult one.
He even suggested leaving United was an essential move for his development. When asked whether he harboured any regrets, Garnacho responded "No."
Pressed on whether he felt any sadness about how his spell at United concluded, he again stated: "No." He continued: "Sometimes in life you need to change things to take a step forward or improve as a player," Garnacho explained. "It was the right moment, and the right club. So it was an easy decision."
Alejandro Garnacho looks on during a Chelsea match
Alejandro Garnacho left United for Chelsea in the summer
View 3 Images
(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)
Speaking to Chelsea's official media channel upon joining the club, Garnacho didn't hesitate to crown the Blues as the best club in the world.
"I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special," he said. "We're the best team in the world! It's amazing to be here and I'm very happy."
Garnacho made 144 appearances for the Red Devils, netting 26 goals and providing 22 assists. Whilst he viewed the switch to west London as the right choice for him, he did depart United with a farewell message that indicated he held some fondness for his previous club.
Garnacho, who has netted four goals and provided two assists in 18 appearances for Chelsea, said: "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 team-mates, 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."