Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday at the hands of Fulham, losing 3-4 on penalties at Old Trafford. The game had ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
And Ruben Amorim’s team selection did not help matters, as he once again opted to start Rasmus Hojlund who put in yet another anonymous shift.
While his gamble to not select a full complement of substitutes backfired as his team looked dead on their feet during extra time.
Surprisingly, the head coach overlooked Alejandro Garnacho from the starting XI, playing Christian Eriksen up top instead and the ploy did not work.
Garnacho needs to start more games
His entry in the second half was what galvanised the Red Devils, who equalised soon after through Bruno Fernandes. The Argentine had the chance to score a late winner but his finishing continues to be a problem.
But with Amad out for the season, the ex-Sporting CP boss needs to play the United No 17 from the start as he is the most potent attacker at his disposal.
As per Givemesport, Amorim has challenged Garnacho to tweak his game and adapt to playing as a No 10 in his 3-4-3 system in order to start more games.
The Portuguese tactician is reportedly a keen observer of United’s history and asked the Argentina international to model his game on Ryan Giggs, who was a flying winger at the start of his career but later adapted to playing as a midfielder to suit Sir Alex Ferguson’s demands.
“Ruben Amorim is hoping one of United’s brightest stars has the ability to adapt his game like Ryan Giggs to further his Old Trafford career.
“Alejandro Garnacho is viewed as United’s most talented and dangerous attacker but he has struggled to adapt to Amorim’s playing style since the new coach took charge in November.
Amorim makes Giggs demand
“Amorim, a student of United history, has asked Garnacho to tweak his game as an out-and-out winger to fit with the 3-4-3 style he’s implemented.
“Late in his career, Giggs made a similar change by utilising his skills to become a midfield creator and sometimes No.10 to prolong his career and offer a different dynamic.”
At the start of Amorim’s reign, there were doubts about Garnacho’s future which led to rumours of a January exit. But the United No 17 had won over the head coach with his willingness to work hard.
While he continues to make poor decisions off the pitch, Amorim seems to have forgiven him for the time being. Hopefully, the Carrington graduate can get his act together ahead of the all-important Europa League encounter against Real Sociedad on Thursday.
Feature image Stephen Pond via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
