Second-half goals ensured Manchester United’s 2-0 win over FCSB in Bucharest on Thursday guaranteeing progress through to the Europa League Round of 16 directly.
The first-half was a tepid affair with United’s build-up play far too slow which is why Ruben Amorim brought on Alejandro Garnacho to inject some much-needed pace to the visitors’ play.
And the Argentine did not disappoint, grabbing an assist while completing the most dribbles of all his teammates. He deserved more but once again, the head coach waxed lyrically about the impact the substitute had on the game.
It seems like the 20-year-old has taken on board Amorim’s advice since that fateful Manchester derby snub and completely revamped both his off-field and on-field performances, which has impressed the former Sporting Lisbon boss.
Amorim full of praise for Garnacho
“I think he’s not improving under me [because of me]. He changed right away from that game [against] City [when he was not in the squad]. The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games.
“He understands that [criticism] is never in a bad way. It’s always for him. I think all of the merit goes to Garnacho. He’s improving and we want to continue to improve with him.
“In the game he understood the position, the moment when to play inside and outside, and the connection with Diogo Dalot, that’s improving a lot, too,” Amorim said before the Crystal Palace game.
These comments make it obvious that Amorim wants to keep a hold of the Carrington graduate beyond the January window but owing to PSR concerns, INEOS are open to his sale.
Both the coach and owners are “at odds” as per Teamtalk and an interesting couple of days are on the cards. It would be an even bigger blow should a direct domestic rival like Chelsea win the race for his signature.
Amorim does not want to lose Garnacho
“With Garnacho himself open to leaving Man Utd in the middle of the season, the Premier League club’s board will sanction a deal for £70million because of Profit and Sustainability reasons.
“Amorim, though, has revealed that he does not want Garnacho to leave. The Portuguese boss has underlined the importance of having academy graduates in the squad for a club as historic and massive as Man Utd.”
Not only the Argentina international, the Blues are also eyeing midfield wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo and Amorim would not like to lose either.
Losing either of the duo with so less time to find a replacement would be a huge blow as Amorim seeks to lift the club out of their current predicament in the Premier League.
Feature image Vasili Mihai-Antonio 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
