Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho has revealed that Ruben Amorim simply told him to go and enjoy himself on the pitch, following his half-time introduction in Friday’s FA Cup win over Leicester City.
United had trailed 1-0 at the break and were subjected to loud boos from the home fans as they walked down the tunnel.
However, Garnacho’s substitution for debutant Patrick Dorgu saw United kick up a few extra levels and play with a lot more urgency.
The Argentine’s cross inside the box was tapped in by Joshua Zirkzee to restore parity before Harry Maguire headed in a 93rd-minute winner to complete an unlikely comeback and secure the Red Devils’ spot in the fifth round of the competition.
Amorim noted that while he was happy with the result, the overall performance of his side left plenty to be desired.
In his post-match press conference, the Portuguese coach was complimentary of Garnacho, who nearly departed the club in the January transfer window amidst interest in his services from Napoli and Chelsea.
Garnacho spoke to MUTV after the final whistle and said, “Yeah, it’s important for us to win a cup game because we’re now in the quarter-finals. It’s important and we want to win the cup.”
“I think the first half was a little bit more quiet but then the manager he brought me on and it changed the game a little bit more in terms of pace and attack.”
“I’m still a little bit upset because I didn’t finish the last [chance], but we won and that’s always important for the team.”
On what Amorim said to him during the interval, Garnacho answered, “He didn’t have to say too much. He has said to me the things I have to do and I know what I can do.”
“He said he wanted me to play my game and just enjoy [myself].”
Asked how much he’s enjoying playing under Amorim, Garnacho replied, “I think he is a great guy. He likes to play real football. We have to work all together and we will be a better team in the future.”
United will find out their fifth-round opponent on Monday night when the draw takes place.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
