Man Utd news: Alejandro Garnacho’s reaction raises questions about Ruben Amorim’s authority at Manchester United
Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich should have been a moment of relief for Ruben Amorim.
However, Alejandro Garnacho’s dramatic response to his first-half substitution has shifted the post-match discussion towards the manager’s control over his dressing room.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer and suffering Manchester United fan Noah Ngcobo examines the fallout from Garnacho’s reaction and what it means for Amorim’s authority at the club.
Garnacho’s frustration in the spotlight
Garnacho, withdrawn in the 44th minute after Patrick Dorgu’s red card, stormed down the tunnel instead of joining his teammates on the bench.
The decision to remove the Argentine was met with audible boos from United fans, highlighting the controversy surrounding Amorim’s choice.
Following the match, Garnacho posted an Instagram story of himself walking through the rain, seemingly dejected - a move that only fuelled speculation about his frustration.
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Amorim’s response to the incident
Amorim addressed the incident in his post-match press conference, initially downplaying Garnacho’s reaction.
“It was cold and wet, maybe,” he quipped before explaining his tactical decision.
“We had to adjust to a 5-3-1 formation. I know it’s risky to take off one of our only one-on-one threats, but I felt the team was controlling the game well.”
However, the situation has drawn inevitable comparisons to Marcus Rashford, who was loaned to Aston Villa after falling out with Amorim over commitment concerns.
When asked whether Garnacho’s behaviour mirrored Rashford’s struggles, Amorim acknowledged the link.
“You’re making a connection with Rashford, right? I know, I know. I’ll speak with Garnacho about it, and if you want, we can discuss it at the next press conference.”
Dressing room tensions mount
While Amorim has promised to address the issue internally, Garnacho’s reaction raises questions about whether the United manager has full command of the dressing room.
It is not the first time the winger has found himself on the wrong side of Amorim’s decisions.
A while back, he was left out of the squad for United’s derby win over Manchester City before working his way back into favour.
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A rollercoaster match for United
Despite the off-field drama, United managed to secure only their fifth league win under the Portuguese manager.
The game itself was a rollercoaster, beginning with Jaden Philogene capitalising on a defensive mix-up between Dorgu and goalkeeper Andre Onana.
United responded with a Sam Morsy own goal and a strike from Matthijs de Ligt before Dorgu’s red card for a challenge on Omari Hutchinson shifted the momentum again.
Ipswich equalised through a Jaden Philogene cross that eluded Onana, but Harry Maguire’s second-half header ultimately sealed the three points.
Amorim, for his part, defended Dorgu’s costly mistakes, insisting that the young defender did not intend any harm.
“Everyone thought, ‘Here we go again’ after that early goal, but we fought through it. Dorgu is a player I know well, and I’m sure he had no intent to harm anyone.”
What’s next for Garnacho and Amorim?
The immediate focus now turns to how Amorim handles Garnacho’s reaction.
Is this another case of a young player struggling with discipline, or does it indicate deeper issues within the United squad?
With the summer transfer window approaching, Amorim’s next moves could determine whether Garnacho remains a part of his plans - or follows Rashford out the door.
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