When going over his post-match analysis at the weekend for Chelsea’s thrilling London derby clash with West Ham, Gary Neville appeared to harshly criticise one of Manchester United’s former academy stars following their performance.
Despite failing to see the game out after playing a major role in both of West Ham’s goals, providing two assists, former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka was still able to impress, regardless of the unfortunate ending for the Hammers.
However, the same cannot be said for another former United player who also started the game, albeit in a blue shirt, as Alejandro Garnacho went on to provide a rather lacklustre performance, with the Argentine being subbed off in only the 46th minute.
After the 21-year-old was taken off, Chelsea immediately looked more threatening down the left flank that Garnacho was occupying, replaced by João Pedro, who scored the first goal in Chelsea’s epic comeback.
The performance has since been heavily criticised online by Chelsea and rival fans alike, with former United captain Gary Neville also weighing on the Argentine’s dismal display.
Gary Neville’s Garnacho analysis
When discussing Chelsea and Garnacho on the latest instalment of the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville praised West Ham’s performance at the Bridge, saying:
“In the first half, I have to say that West Ham were absolutely fantastic. They dominated the game, even though they didn’t dominate possession; they dominated the game.
He then followed this up with some harsh words regarding the performance of Alejandro Garncho:
“They had the best chances, they were more physical, and that left side of Chelsea was obliterated. Alejandro Garnacho is a player who divides opinion, I think, at times.
“A lot of people are questioning, is he top-class or where is he? Where is he in the pecking order?”
“When he got the ball, his first touch was back, and then he just kept going back and giving it away.”
“It was an awkward, very horrible experience for both Hato and Garnacho on that left side”
Neville also went on to say that following the removal of the Argentine at halftime, a “complete and utter transformation of the game occurred”
Were Man Utd right to sell Garnacho?
The sale of Garnacho to Chelsea last summer, following a horror show of a campaign for the Red Devils, was a topic that divided opinion within the fanbase.
Although the team had been poor, Garnacho, at times, was able to offer glimpses of brilliance throughout the season, and having scored in the FA Cup final win against Manchester City the previous season, as well as being a Carrington product, the Argentine’s departure did not sit right with many fans, especially for what was seen as a low price at the time of £40 million.
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However, since joining the Blues, we have yet to really see the best of Garnarcho, with the winger struggling for consistent games and numbers, with some Chelsea fans beginning to grow frustrated with some of his performances, which may appear familiar to some United fans.
Conversely, since the departure of Garnacho in the summer, United’s attack has not suffered, but rather thrived, with the Reds being the 3rd highest goalscorers in the league this season, only bested by Arsenal and Manchester City.
With all of United’s new attacking signings now off the mark and delivering in big moments, with Benjamin Šeško’s winner yesterday, Matheus Cunha’s thunderbolt against Arsenal, and Bryan Mbeumo’s emphatic finish in the Manchester derby, it doesn’t leave fans missing Alejandro Garnacho, which was evident in the reception he received earlier on in the season at Old Trafford.
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