Alejandro Garnacho's shirt
Alejandro Garnacho's future at Manchester United is unclear
Manchester United's 2024/25 season has been their worst in 51 years. After an abysmal Premier League campaign, which could end with them 17th, United fell at the final hurdle in the Europa League.
Following an unbeaten run in the competition throughout the season, United returned to the San Mames Stadium, after previously winning 3-0 against Athletic Bilbao in the same ground, and failed to put in a performance worthy of becoming European champions.
Brennan Johnson's first-half goal was the difference and the celebrations in north London were a contrast to the ones in Manchester. In the aftermath, the pressure weighs heavy on Ruben Amorim to hit the ground running next season. But the United boss' decisions in Spain have left more questions than answers.
The starting line-up saw Amorim select Mason Mount alongside Amad in the two attacking midfielder positions, dropping Bruno Fernandes deeper. Manuel Ugarte, who has been influential in United's pivot, stayed on the bench.
Despite his side laying no punches onto Spurs, Amorim didn't change his team until the 71st minute with Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho coming on for the two players they probably should have started over in Rasmus Hojlund and Mount.
while his brother has also criticised the handling of him in the final by Amorim.
The 20-year-old has managed just one goal and two assists since April 13 and hasn't made the impact desired when he has played. The millions lost from not qualifying for the Champions League mean United's hands are tied in the market, prompting fears that one, or both, of Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo will be sold.
Man United star Alejandro Garnacho could leave the club in the summer (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Both are homegrown players and would represent pure profit with a sale. In January, talk of them being shipped emerged for the first time and Amorim's handling of their minutes in the final did not bode well.
Mainoo replaced Patrick Dorgu in the 90th minute, despite United knocking on the door and pinning Spurs back for at least 20 minutes. Only last year was Mainoo a key clog in United's midfield in the FA Cup final and a starter for England in the European Championship final.
What the future holds for either player is unclear. It's understood that Amorim retains the backing from the club but Mainoo and Garnacho don't fit into his 3-4-2-1 system.
Matheus Cunha's imminent move from Wolves this summer will place Garnacho further down the pecking order in attack. The Argentine's words after the final would point towards him being open to a move, whereas Mainoo has been silent.
Whatever happens, you wouldn't be mistaken for thinking that Amorim's treatment of Garnacho and Mainoo is his approval of their sales to raise funds in the summer.
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