Why Selling Alejandro Garnacho Could Be a Costly Mistake for Manchester United
Manchester United’s turbulent 2024/25 campaign has thrown up a host of difficult decisions for the club’s hierarchy. Among the most controversial is the potential sale of Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho. Reports suggest that new manager Ruben Amorim is not convinced about Garnacho’s suitability for his system, mirroring the situation with Marcus Rashford. However, letting go of Garnacho could prove to be a major miscalculation, both on the pitch and in terms of long-term strategy.
In this article, we explore why selling Alejandro Garnacho could become problematic for Manchester United, analyze his on-field contributions, the interest he’s attracting across Europe, and the implications for Amorim’s vision at Old Trafford.
Garnacho’s Falling Out with Amorim
It’s no secret that Garnacho’s time under Ruben Amorim has been far from smooth. Just like Rashford, the Argentine failed to meet Amorim’s tactical and behavioral expectations. Garnacho reportedly clashed with the Portuguese manager, criticizing him in the press—a move that ultimately led Amorim to tell the winger to “find a new club” in front of his teammates.
This public fallout has placed Garnacho’s future in serious doubt. Despite the tension, Manchester United have set a £70 million asking price for the 20-year-old, a valuation that might put off several suitors. However, with multiple clubs monitoring his situation, Garnacho remains a highly marketable and talented asset.
🚨🇦🇷 Alejandro Garnacho’s priority is to stay in Premier League while he’s set to leave Man United this summer.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2025
Despite Bayer Leverkusen interest and Ten Hag’s appreciation, the deal looks complicated and Premier League is the player’s first choice. pic.twitter.com/DBYwfWko8d
Garnacho’s Contributions to Manchester United
Since breaking into the senior team three seasons ago, Alejandro Garnacho has made 115 appearances for Manchester United, starting 73 times. His return of 23 goals and 15 assists may not be staggering, but it equates to a goal contribution every 3.4 matches—a solid return for a developing winger.
Beyond goals and assists, Garnacho brings several underappreciated qualities to the squad. His pass completion rate stands at an impressive 90.8%, which is exceptional for a wide player often operating under pressure. Additionally, he’s created 116 chances in the same period, proving that he’s not just a flashy dribbler but a creative outlet as well.
Defensively, Garnacho has shown work ethic and maturity. He’s won possession 309 times and made 47 interceptions, showcasing his willingness to contribute when his team is out of possession. These numbers make a compelling case for why Manchester United should reconsider their stance on his future.
Premier League Clubs Circle as Garnacho Eyes Stay in England
Although Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen have shown interest in Garnacho, it is understood that the Argentine prefers to remain in the Premier League. This preference has opened doors for clubs like Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Aston Villa are particularly keen after successfully taking Marcus Rashford on loan last season. With Rashford returning to Old Trafford, Villa could view Garnacho as a natural successor. His ability to play on both wings offers Unai Emery tactical flexibility, and his fearless, direct playing style fits Villa’s high-tempo system.
At Tottenham, new manager Thomas Frank is believed to be an admirer of Garnacho. With Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson currently filling the right-wing spot, Garnacho could serve as a long-term replacement for Son Heung-min, whose future remains uncertain. Tottenham’s qualification for the 2025/26 Champions League also gives them a competitive advantage in negotiations.
Could Garnacho Be Rashford’s Successor at Villa?
A closer look at Marcus Rashford’s brief stint at Aston Villa reveals why Garnacho could fit into that role seamlessly. Rashford scored four goals and provided three assists in 13 games during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign. He also boasted an 88.3% pass completion rate and won 70% of his tackles, statistics that mirror Garnacho’s all-around contribution at United.
Rashford’s revival at Villa under Unai Emery could serve as a blueprint for Garnacho’s own resurgence. Given Leon Bailey and Donyell Malen’s preference for the right wing, Garnacho could slot into the left side, offering width, creativity, and goal-scoring threat.
Hes coming to chelsea fab 👀? pic.twitter.com/4uH3BpjJlh
— BLUE (@RJamesSZN) June 15, 2025
Chelsea’s Interest in Garnacho Raises Eyebrows
Of all the interested clubs, Chelsea’s reported pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho appears the most puzzling. The Blues have spent over €800 million on strikers and wingers since 2020. With Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, and the soon-to-arrive Estevao Willian already in the squad, Chelsea’s interest in another winger lacks strategic clarity.
Madueke, in particular, had a decent 2024/25 season with eight goals and three assists in 36 games. More importantly, his defensive numbers—21 successful tackles from 27 attempts and a 92.9% pass completion rate—suggest he is a well-rounded player. Unless Chelsea are planning a significant squad overhaul, adding Garnacho could be redundant.
Amorim’s Gamble Could Backfire
While Ruben Amorim is known for his tactical rigidity and strong personality, alienating a player of Garnacho’s talent might backfire. If the 20-year-old joins a direct Premier League rival and flourishes, it could become a public relations and competitive headache for Manchester United.
There’s also a financial consideration. While a £70 million fee may seem attractive now, it pales in comparison to what Garnacho’s value could become if he reaches his full potential. United have been burned before—selling players like Romelu Lukaku, Wilfried Zaha, and Memphis Depay before they peaked elsewhere.
By letting Garnacho go, especially under strained circumstances, United risk repeating past mistakes.
Ruben Amorim had an interesting reaction to this question on Garncho’s future🤨 pic.twitter.com/aXcexvCNWL
— Football Park (@thefootballpark) May 29, 2025
Conclusion: United Must Think Twice Before Letting Garnacho Leave
Selling Alejandro Garnacho might solve a short-term problem for Ruben Amorim, but it creates long-term uncertainty for Manchester United. The winger has already proven he can deliver at the top level, both offensively and defensively. At just 20, his best years are still ahead of him.
With Premier League clubs lining up and Champions League suitors watching closely, Garnacho’s departure could come back to haunt Manchester United in more ways than one. Whether it’s on the pitch in key matches, or in the court of public opinion, this is a transfer saga the club must handle with extreme caution.
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