Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho has opened up on how he managed to get back in Ruben Amorim’s good books after a tough start to life under the Portuguese coach.
Shortly after Amorim’s appointment as Erik ten Hag’s replacement, Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were dropped from the matchday squad that beat Manchester City. While Rashford was never able to reclaim the head coach’s faith, Garnacho hunkered down, rolled up his sleeves and worked hard to get back into the team.
Despite speculation over his future during the January transfer window, Garnacho remained focused on his performances and he now seems to be reaping the benefits of his efforts.
The Argentine is enjoying an uptick in form and scored a screamer in United’s 4-3 loss against Brentford last week. He was also sensational in his side’s 3-0 first-leg semi-final victory over Athletic Club.
Ahead of the return leg, Garnacho spoke to TNT Sports and shed light on his revival.
He said, “You can be out for that game [v City], but I know if I work, and I try to do the right things, I’m going to play because I know the player I am.”
“I just need to do this, and I did. So I think now we are doing better things, and if we win the competition, it will be very nice for us.”
He continued, “When there are good moments, everyone is happy about it. When it’s difficult, you have to work harder. That’s what I did, what I have to do to be here and to play for this club.”
Garnacho conceded that the Red Devils have been underwhelming in the Premier League this term but insisted that qualifying for the Champions League is the minimum requirement.
“A club like Manchester United, we have to play Champions League. We won two trophies [in the] last two seasons, we are in the semi-final now, but I think the main trophies are the [Premier] League and the Champions League. We are far from this, but we have to improve, and one day be there.”
The 20-year-old also said that he and his teammates were “lucky” against Athletic at San Mames.
“They are the team with the least goals conceded in the league [La Liga]. We did the job, we got a little bit lucky with the red and the penalty. We finished the game 3-0, but we are not focused on that, trust me. We want to win the game and be in the final.”
Garnacho explained that United can take confidence from their dramatic comeback against Lyon in the quarter-final.
Featured image Richard Heathcote 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!
