Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has insisted that Alejandro Garnacho remains a Manchester United player, although he refused to definitively rule out that the forward could leave in the next few days.
Garnacho’s United future has been the subject of intense speculation amidst suggestions that he could be sold this month.
United have been in talks with Napoli, who are interested in adding him to their ranks as a replacement for the departed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Chelsea are also believed to be keen on signing Garnacho and it’s even been claimed that the Blues have lodged a bid for him.
The Argentine was named in the starting XI by Amorim for Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League win over Rangers at Old Trafford.
He was dangerous all game and had a number of opportunities to hit the back of the net but he just lacked the final finishing touch.
Chants of “viva Garnacho” rang around the stadium, with the home fans seemingly eager for the 20-year-old to be retained beyond the ongoing winter transfer window.
During his post-match press conference, Amorim was asked whether the Rangers game might have been Garnacho’s final appearance for the Red Devils.
Amorim replied, “No, I’m focused on the games and he’s here, he’s a player for Manchester United. Was really important for us today and let’s see in the next days.”
“I think he’s improving in every aspect of the game. He was better today playing inside, also outside, changing positions, he’s improving the recovering position.”
“You can see it until 90 minutes he’s always there recovering and helping, sometimes showing some frustration and that is good because he wants more.”
“I think he has potential to be so much better in every situation in the game. What I can say is he understood what I was trying to do, was really clear, I just want to help them but in the end it’s them that do the job.”
On getting rid of unwanted stars and bringing his own players in, Amorim emphasised, “It’s not other managers’ players, now they are my players. Then you know the situation of the club and before doing anything we have to think what brought us to this moment and to this situation.”
“So we have to be really clear on everything. My focus is on the next game, I understand the question but they are my players at the moment.”
On the team’s performance vs. Rangers, Amorim explained, “We didn’t deserve the draw and I think it was fair for us to win the game. I think the pace of the game helped us, we were better with the ball.”
“We lost control for seven minutes but I think we created the best chances to win the game.”
United return to Premier League action on Sunday when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Featured image Shaun Botterill 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!
