The United winger's frustrating display in defeat to Nottingham Forest adds to the sense he is not learning from his problems
Nottingham Forest 1-0 Manchester United (Elanga 5′)
CITY GROUND — Alejandro Garnacho came very close to leaving Manchester United in January. Very close.
His near-departure divided the fanbase. How dare Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of new public enemy number one, Ineos, sell a prized academy asset, some said. Throw them in the firepit with the Glazers.
Yet the more level-headed supporters could see the logic. There is no doubting Garnacho is a talented player, with an attacking vigour few others possess at a club littered with ineffective, misfiring forwards.
Ruben Amorim, however, needs funds for his much-needed summer rebuild, and if Napoli or Chelsea are willing to pay upwards of £50m for a forward with one goal since November, then many feel they should at least hear them out.
Another evening of selfishness in front of goal, poor decision making and problems with attitude in defeat at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night will only enhance the feeling that cashing in now may not be the worst idea.
Much was expected of a rejuvenated United side going into Tuesday’s trip to the sunbathed City Ground, despite Forest coming into the contest unbeaten in eight at home in the league.
The international break and an early FA Cup exit gave Amorim that rarest of commodities in the modern era – substantial time on the training pitch.
Amorim has bemoaned the schedule since he succeeded Erik ten Hag in November, and claimed he has not been able to instil his ethos on his misguided troops.
Any essence of a game plan was thrown out of the window early on as they inexplicably allowed Anthony Elanga space to run 85 metres of the pitch, mostly unchallenged.
The flying forward, who was allowed to leave Old Trafford two years ago to make way for Antony, then drilled home what proved to be the winner into the bottom corner.
ANTHONY ELANGA, THAT IS INCREDIBLE! ⚡
The winger scores a blistering solo goal against his former side 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/9J38PnbMsV
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 1, 2025
There were 16 seconds between Bruno Fernandes taking a corner and Elanga arrowing home – as United conceded the first goal for the 23rd time in all competitions this term – only Leicester have done so more often among Premier League clubs.
The home support were of course revelling in yet another moment of pure unadulterated joy on the banks of the Trent, taunting United’s travelling support with a booming “he left because you’re s**t”.
In fairness, United did respond well, playing some of the more slick football we have seen from them in a long while. The final pass, however, remained conspicuous by its absence.
Rasmus Hojlund, fresh from breaking his 22-hour goal drought against Leicester last time out, was summoned for a second-half reshuffle, with Fernandes dropping into the deeper role he has been devastating in of late.
Yet, despite finishing the match having had 24 shots at goal, United’s most in a Premier League game in which they failed to score since September 2021, Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels finished the encounter without having had a real save of note to make.
Garnacho made a heavy contribution to the visitors’ ineptitude in the final third. Time and again the young Argentine would carry the attack to Forest before making the wrong pass selection or just shoot at goal for the sake of it – not an uncommon trait of his.
Six shots at goal took Garnacho’s Premier League total to 68 for the season. Only four have found the net.
What’s more, issues with his attitude were apparent for all to see as he kicked the ball away in frustration to earn a second-half caution, wasting valuable seconds for his team when losing.
“He is making everything,” Amorim said of Garnacho’s performance. “He’s trying. Sometimes you have one day that you are doing the right things, but in the final third, you are not that good, that can happen.
“The most important thing for me is that when he needs to run back, he is running back. Of course we want a player that has one against one.
“Sometimes he is trying too much, but I think he wants to help the team, to do his best, sometimes he doesn’t make the best choice, but you can point to any player today.”
Except he kind of did already. Young players can be forgiven for having the hubris to look for goal whenever they can. Alan Shearer did not plunder as many goals as he did by scanning for the pass.
What is concerning regarding Garnacho, however, is that he does not seem to be learning that shooting from all angles is getting him nowhere.
And ahead of a summer where everything that moves is for sale, at the right price, Ratcliffe and Ineos will likely be all ears to any offers laid on the table.