New Delhi: Due to his failure to start in United’s previous three Premier League games, the Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho has seen his playing time cut under new manager Ruben Amorim. But if the Portuguese coach wants to take advantage of the Reds’ greatest vulnerability, it is fair to say that Garnacho needs to be in the Red Devils’ starting lineup for Sunday’s pivotal matchup against leaders Liverpool.
It might just be the right time for Amorim to bring him on against the Reds, although in Gernacho’s previous performances, he hasn’t quite done anything extraordinary for the struggling Red Devils. However, on his day he can be a player that can cause a lot of damage to the opposition, with his speed and ability to beat the defenders. Over the past few weeks, it seems like Amorim is not yet sure about using Garnacho as a starter and the following might just be the reason behind it.
What may have led to this situation?
🚨 Alejandro Garnacho appeared to turn his back on Ruben Amorim and walk away while the United boss was giving him instructions on the touchline before he came on against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League three days before the Manchester derby where he was dropped.… pic.twitter.com/WbEZGURs6X
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) January 3, 2025
The last time Gernacho started a game for United was back in December in a Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, where United lost 3-2 to the high-flyers. This was only the third game that he has started under the new manager this season. Amorim has made his intentions clear with the Argentine, and over the past few days it has looked even more clear after Amorim suggested Gernacho to perform better in the training to get his spot back into the squad.
Within a year, the 19-year-old has established himself as a mainstay in United’s squad after receiving criticism for his bad behavior from both boss and captain Bruno Fernandes. It was reported that he had twice missed preseason training last summer. However, lately there have also been reports that Amorim isn’t too pleased with his attitude and recently in a Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen, Garnacho infuriated Amorim by seemingly ignoring him while he was receiving instructions on the touchline.
He did eventually make an appearance in the 81st minute, replacing Diogo Dalot just before Rasmus Hojlund gave the visitors a late winner. According to reports, the 20-year-old’s representatives denied that he was intentionally being disrespectful. Even though Garnacho has been benched for the four games since the City victory, they have apparently maintained that there is no animosity between him and Amorim.
Should Amorim start Gernacho against Liverpool?
Bring on United! ✊🇾🇪#MUFC || #LIVMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 5, 2025
The former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy stated in his Daily Mail column that Alejandro Garnacho would be among the first names on his teamsheet at Anfield on Sunday, despite not starting any of Manchester United’s previous six games. This season, Liverpool have been brilliant but they did display their weakness when players like Tyler Dibling, Anthony Gordon, and Callum Hudson-Odoi have run at them quickly. For example, Arne Slot’s team will be more worried about Garnacho and Amad Diallo than Rasmus Hojlund when they first meet United’s squad.
It is true that Liverpool’s defence has shown a few vulnerabilities against the speedsters so far and playing Garnacho and Diallo in the opposite wings might just be a massive factor for Amorim’s side, who are currently not the favourites to win the tie. Furthermore, it will be important for United to ensure that they take full advantage of every little chance that they get and Rasmus Hojlund gets the support that he needs on the pitch.
Murphy further stated: “For 90 minutes, forget about the future project – try to get a result now.” Focusing on the ongoing clash between the player and the manager.
“Garnacho is one of the few assets he has that will worry Liverpool. We saw against Newcastle on Monday that Hojlund running one-on-one against Fabian Schar posed little threat to a top defender,” Murphy added.
Murphy continued, asserting that the presence of pacy wingers like Garnacho and Diallo would cause issues for the Liverpool defence. According to him, Garnacho’s presence doesn’t guarantee a United win, but at least he and Diallo would give Liverpool’s defenders something to think about.
Ahead of Manchester United’s crucial matchup with Liverpool, this might just be the time for Ruben Amorim to make amends with Alejandro Garnacho and start him at Anfield Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
