Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are good friends having come through the ranks at Manchester United's academy
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho came through the Manchester United academy together
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho came through the Manchester United academy together
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On the whole, Manchester United supporters are renowned for giving their former players a good reception when they return to Old Trafford. Alejandro Garnacho ensured he managed to buck that trend with his antics in the summer. After a season to forget, the Argentine took it upon himself to burn as many bridges as possible.
He posted a picture of himself in an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford's name emblazoned on the back. He criticised his lack of opportunities after the Europa League final defeat and when he eventually informed United that he wanted to leave, it was more of a relief than a disappointment.
Garnacho had become a hindrance around the club. There was two routes he could take when it became clear his future was elsewhere and the winger chose to make life difficult for himself. Moving to Chelsea, a direct rival in the Premier League, did not help his case either and the home fans made their feelings known to the Argentine despite him not kicking a ball.
His start to life at Stamford Bridge has been mixed at best, disappointing at worse. However, his comments last week when presented with the press pack ahead of the Champions League clash against Atalanta, will resonate with the next United youngster eyeing the exit door.
When asked if he regretted leaving United, Garnacho replied no. Expanding on that sentiment, he added: "Sometimes in life, you have to change things to take a step forward or to improve as a player. his was the right club and [moving] was an easy decision."
Undoubtedly Kobbie Mainoo will have seen those comments and felt they reflected his own experiences. This campaign has been so disappointing for the Stockport-born midfielder. His dreams of going to the World Cup next summer seems to be in tatters as he sits on the bench week after week.
Ruben Amorim's reasoning for this makes sense. He sees Bruno Fernandes as undroppable, even in the deeper midfield position, and thus Mainoo has been left waiting for an opportunity that is just not coming.
In the summer, Mainoo requested a loan move which United rejected. They still see him as an important squad member but not enough of one to give him a chance ahead of the captain.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 08, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England
Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for opportunities at Manchester United(Image: 2025 Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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Mainoo now heads into January knowing something needs to change for his career to move forward. Paul Scholes has already said the midfielder should leave the club, but it will be the comments of Garnacho which shall prove the most tempting.
In a lot of ways, Mainoo and Garnacho's situations are very similar. Both players feel they should be gaining more opportunities at United than they have been getting - Garnacho made the move so why shouldn't Mainoo?
The midfielder has behaved in a much more respectful manner towards the club, even if his frustrations would have been eating him up. But Mainoo will feel he has to make a move sooner rather than later and now there is clear examples of life after United.
Previously, it was seen as being the pinnacle of a player's career to make it at Old Trafford. Now, numerous players have proven you can still have a successful career away from United - Scott McTominay has proven that at Napoli.
Garnacho may not have found his feet at Chelsea but he has indirectly told Mainoo something which will tempt him. 'Sometimes in life you have to change things to take a step forward.'
It now feels like moving would do just that for Mainoo.