Alejandro Garnacho was named among the substitutes for Manchester United's Europa League final against Tottenham - and the winger was seemingly not happy with the decision
20:40, 21 May 2025Updated 20:41, 21 May 2025
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United was left out of the starting line-up by Ruben Amorim
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United was left out of the starting line-up by Ruben Amorim
Alejandro Garnacho seemed visibly annoyed after being relegated to the bench for Manchester United's Europa League final showdown with Tottenham.
Manager Ruben Amorim decided to leave the Argentine winger out of his starting XI, and the player was noticeably late in joining his fellow subs for the pre-match warm-up. Garnacho spent a good 15 minutes on the pitch, still suited up, having a chat with Spurs defender Sergio Reguilon, who had a stint at United last season, while the rest of the Red Devils were getting kitted out and ready for their warm-up.
However, a seemingly sulky Garnacho was the last one to join the subs, a full 10 minutes after they'd begun their warm-up. He also shared an Instagram post seven hours before the match, featuring photos of him netting against Manchester City in last season's FA Cup final victory.
This social media activity has sparked speculation that Garnacho might have already known about his omission from the starting line-up for the big match and been trying to make a point. This is despite the fact that the Argentine played a key role in United's last final, contributing significantly to their most recent silverware.
United fans speculated about Garnacho's reaction, with one supporter posting on X: "Garnacho is gonna sulk." Another said: "An angry Garnacho coming off the bench could be ideal, but I reckon he’s off in the summer." And a third added: "If I am Garnacho I will be fuming."
Sergio Reguilon speaking to Alejandro Garnacho
Sergio Reguilon speaking to Alejandro Garnacho(Image: Getty Images)
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He's not exactly a regular fixture for the Red Devils and was rumoured to be heading for the exit back in January. This latest snub seems to have hit particularly hard given the importance of the match, reports the Mirror.
Garnacho had been on an upward trajectory in Manchester, but Amorim has pointed out issues with his game and opted to list him among the substitutes.
While the Argentine star has been sidelined, Mason Mount is on the upswing, enjoying a resurgence after an injury layoff. He's earned his place, with Amorim praising the fresh dynamic he brings to the team.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim explained: "I felt Mason in this moment gives us a different balance. He's really good attacking, he's one extra in midfield.
"You know, Tottenham put their full-backs and midfielders inside, overloading that space. To have speed on the bench. We have Amad on the other side, and we need to have legs to change the game."
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Garnacho previously got under Amorim's skin with his reaction to being subbed off back in February. The youngster was replaced during a victory over Ipswich but made a beeline for the tunnel, visibly miffed.
At San Mames, Amorim seems to be putting his faith in seasoned pros, with many of his first-teamers well-versed in high-stakes matches.
Amorim pointed out: "If you look at the team Casemiro is used to playing these kind of games, Bruno [Fernandes] is always there, Maguire has played in European games for his national team."