Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts towards teammate Alejandro Garnacho during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Vitality Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts towards teammate Alejandro Garnacho during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Vitality Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United reacts towards teammate Alejandro Garnacho during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Vitality Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This Manchester United star could leave after publicly criticising Ruben Amorim, and there is interest around Europe.
As the final whistle sounded in Bilbao on Wednesday night, Manchester United knew there was nothing to compensate for the failure of their 2024/25 season. They were defeated in a final which history dictated they should be favourites for, against a Tottenham Hotspur side trophy-less for 17 years with a manager under almost as much pressure as their own.
United never showed up on the night, didn’t show any of the magic displayed against Lyon or Athletic Club on their run to the final, and couldn’t have many complaints about the result. They must have known that the fall-out would be massive.
Alejandro Garnacho linked with moves away amidst Europa League final fury
It comes as no surprise following the aftermath of Wednesday night that speculation around the future of Alejandro Garnacho has intensified. The Argentine has been linked with an exit in the past, and this time it seems this may become reality.
According to reports by TEAMtalk, Napoli are longstanding admirers and are ready to come back in for Garnacho with an improved bid. The Italian giants had a £40m bid rejected by United in January, but an offer of around £50m is in the works. The player is reportedly open to the move, seeing a path to more first-team minutes in Naples.
Chelsea are also said to hold an interest in 20-year-old Garnacho, seeing him as a perfect addition to their youthful squad, though they may be forced to break the bank for the Argentine as United would be reluctant to strengthen a Premier League rival.
A third European giant who may have a say are Garnacho’s former club Atlético Madrid. This may be a favourable move for the young man, who could be attracted to the prospect of a romantic return to the club where he played for five years in his academy days, in addition to the chance to play under Diego Simeone who he is said to admire.
There has also been further interest from the Bundesliga and the Saudi Pro League, with a bidding war likely to ensue over the summer over one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe.
A look into Garnacho’s United career - and how they will miss him
Just 12 months ago Garnacho was seen as one of United’s brightest stars, sure to play a key role in the next decade at the club. But he has fallen out of favour under Amorim, and such is the club’s position both on and off the pitch that they may be forced to let him go.
Garnacho broke through as an exciting teenager under Erik ten Hag, bursting onto the scene with five goals and three assists as an 18-year-old in 2022/23. He made big contributions when it mattered, his first Premier League goal being a 93rd minute winner at Fulham springs to mind, and looked at home on the biggest stages.
By 2023/24 he was a regular starter, and as of the present he has 26 goals and 22 assists in 144 appearances for the Red Devils. But only four have come under Amorim, as he has struggled to nail down a starting role.
After coming off the bench late on in the Europa League final, Garnacho said: “Until we reached the final, I played every round. And I played 20 minutes today – I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens next.”
Parting ways with Garnacho may make sense for all parties but United will miss his dynamism in attacking areas when on form, and must be prepared for the young man to shine elsewhere and become the player they all know he can be.
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