An interesting twist has emerged in Manchester United’s plan to offload Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, following a fallout with head coach Ruben Amorim after the Europa League final that saw him lose his place in the Portuguese tactician’s project.
Despite a league campaign in which he registered 10 goals and 11 assists across 58 appearances, the 21-year-old remains without a concrete offer, which is surprising, given he is a standout among his peers.
Initially, it was thought his hefty asking price was the stumbling block.
But INEOS have since slashed their valuation to just £40 million, and still, no bids have arrived.
Man United get creative to move Garnacho on
Keen to facilitate his exit, United have had to get creative in their approach.
According to The Independent,
“Manchester United have spoken to both Chelsea and Aston Villa about Alejandro Garnacho, as well as the possibility of players such as Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins going the other way.”
While it is not clear whether either club favours such a proposition, United are banking on it to help shape their summer plans.
As the report adds:
“United’s PSR pressures are nevertheless well known, meaning they are investigating deals where players go both ways.
“The club also want an athletic number six and a goalkeeper, with the potential order of signings dependent on opportunities and sales.”
With both Chelsea and Aston Villa admirers of Garnacho, it is now a waiting game to see if either side takes United up on the swap offer.
Jackson vs Watkins: who fits Man United best?
Jackson is undeniably gifted; he presses relentlessly, fights for every ball, and could inject a new edge into United’s attack.
Even with his goal-scoring inconsistencies, he could help platform Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo or benefit from their service himself.
Still, there is uncertainty over whether he would truly solve United’s goal-scoring woes (he had 10 goals in 30 league games last season).
Arguably, most United fans would favour an Ollie Watkins–Garnacho swap.
Watkins’ Premier League pedigree and consistent output, 35 goals and 21 assists in the last two seasons, make him a proven solution for Amorim’s system.
If United can offload Garnacho and bring in a striker in return, it would be a masterstroke, freeing up funds to bolster other areas.
While a striker remains the priority, adding a mobile number six and a top goalkeeper alongside him would round off a near-perfect summer window.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
