Ruben Amorim has made many mistakes so far as head coach of Manchester United – but one may haunt him more than most.
Ruben Amorim officially joined Manchester United as their new head coach on November 11th, 2024, but even in under a year, the job has already been marred by numerous calamities.
Amid a sea of shocking Manchester United performances, Amorim has also had to deal with numerous off-pitch issues with players.
One notable name is Alejandro Garnacho, who appears to be arguably the most problematic for the Portuguese manager. And to think, it all could have been avoided.
Alejandro Garnacho prior to Manchester United's friendly match vs Hong Kong
Photo by Thomas Tang/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Manchester United could have sold Alejandro Garnacho to Napoli
In January, Garnacho was rumoured to leave United, with Napoli interested in his signature.
They sent an official bid of £43m (€50m), but the Red Devils wanted at least £60m (€75m), with United then valuing him at no less than £55m (€65m).
🚨🇦🇷 Napoli’s opening bid for Alejandro Garnacho worth €50m package add-ons included; Man United want more.
Antonio Conte keeps pushing after the call with Garnacho on Friday.
❗️ Chelsea made contact with United and player side, now deciding internally whether to bid or not. pic.twitter.com/3kMMhAZM5N
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2025
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Napoli did not want to exceed £46.5m (€55m) in total, and, in the end, they didn’t. Garnacho stayed at Old Trafford to fight for his place, but it all went wrong.
Amorim told Garnacho he could leave United in May, claiming it was because of “training performances, game performances and engagement with team-mates.”
This was a mistake, as teams now knew United were looking to sell. Suddenly, the club’s £55m valuation doesn’t look so good anymore – something Chelsea have duly noted.
Chelsea now playing Alejandro Garnacho hardball
Chelsea want Garnacho, but they are playing the transfer smart. They know Manchester United are desperate to get rid of the Argentine, which ultimately means they can afford to play hardball.
TBR Football understands that Chelsea’s opening bid for Garnacho will be close to £30m rather than United’s asking price of at least £50m.
Chelsea realise it’s only a matter of time before United accept, and United have been well and truly backed into a corner.
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Amorim made numerous mistakes. One, not accepting the Napoli bid and ending the Garnacho ordeal, and two, going public with his Garnacho comments, which ultimately showed Chelsea, and any other suitors, that they can lowball the Red Devils.
And the likelihood? They’ll get a bargain on the 21-year-old.