Manchester United were forced to dig deep and eventually ran out 3-1 winners against Southampton after mounting a late comeback at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Amad Diallo’s 12-minute hattrick saved Ruben Amorim’s blushes with the bottom-of-the-barrel Saints making the hosts look distinctly average for most of the game.
The team had Andre Onana to thank for his numerous excellent saves while the Red Devils were also guilty of spurning two glorious chances in either half.
Alejandro Garnacho had the chance to open the scoring but missed an almost open goal while substitute scuffed his attempt from the Argentine’s low cross when it seemed harder to miss.
Amorim praised Garnacho
Despite the 20-year-old failing to find the back of the net, Amorim did praise his out of possession work ethic, something he has demanded from the Argentina international.
It is well known that the academy graduate is being eyed by a whole host of clubs including Napoli, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea with INEOS open to a departure as they seek pure profit.
The former Atletico Madrid starlet did not seem like a natural fit in Amorim’s system, which the head coach said as much before Sunday’s Brighton game but did admit that his winger is showing the fight needed to adapt.
He is having to play as a No 10 instead of a winger who thrives on those transition moments but the head coach is pleased with his desire and hard work and more opportunities are expected.
“That is clear. He has talent and he needs to learn to play in a different position. He needs to play better inside,” Amorim said.
“Garnacho improves a lot in the recovering position when he doesn’t have the ball. But doing that, sometimes he’s not in the right place to make transitions like he was in the past. I prefer to defend and then build up with all the team to reach the final third.
“He’s finding the best way to play in this system. He’s improving during training. He started the last game. Let’s see tomorrow. I think he changed the way he sees himself.”
Garnacho not looking to leave
And despite so many links and reports claiming he could be on his way should any outfit match United’s asking price, The Manchester Evening News has claimed that Garnacho himself is not looking to leave Old Trafford anytime soon.
“Alejandro Garnacho is not actively pursuing a move away from Manchester United despite mounting uncertainty over his future. United have refused to comment on Garnacho’s future and the winter window is open until February 3.”
The Argentina international was dropped by Amorim for the Manchester derby and his attitude was questioned and subsequently, he had to make do with only substitute appearances.
But he has proven his worth in the last three games, picking up two assists in the process and fans will hope he can continue in the same vein so that he can restore his status as an untouchable member of the United squad.
Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
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
