Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Manchester United is hanging by a thread, with manager Ruben Amorim confirming that the winger is likely to be leaving the club amid growing transfer speculation.
The Argentine has long been linked with a move to Chelsea, and his recent omission from the Red Devils’ US pre-season tour has only added fuel to the fire.
Amorim Explains Alejandro Garnacho’s Removal
While the club has yet to confirm an official decision on his future, Amorim was open about the circumstances surrounding Garnacho’s removal.
“You can understand and you can see he’s a really talented boy, and sometimes things don’t work out,” Amorim told reporters in the United States.
It’s no secret that Garnacho has grown disillusioned at Old Trafford in recent months, with critics and football bettors at NetBet making their feelings heard. Talks of unrest behind the scenes and a desire for a fresh challenge shadowed his final appearances of the 2024/25 season.
The then 20-year-old struggled for consistent game time as Manchester United missed out on European football for the first time in more than a decade, and it’s clear that both player and club are now prepared to part ways.
“You cannot explain specifically what it is,” Amorim added. “But I have the feeling, I think it’s clear that Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership, and I can understand that. So I think it’s not a problem.”
No Europe, New Vision
The Portuguese boss, appointed in the middle of the previous season to steady the ship after a turbulent few seasons, has made it clear that he’s aiming for a leaner, more focused squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
“I’m really happy with the team,” he said. “Without European competitions, I want a small squad so everyone feels really important.
“If you have a lot of players, you have one week to prepare and a lot of players are going to be out, and then in training they will be frustrated and then the quality of the training will drop.”
Garnacho is among other players – Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia – that will reportedly remain excluded from first-team operations.
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Chelsea Leading the Race for Garnacho
Garnacho’s camp is actively seeking options – Chelsea being chief among them. The West London club have already expressed serious interest in the winger in two consecutive transfer windows and are now believed to be favourites to seal the deal.
While no fee has been agreed yet, Garnacho’s exit feels inevitable.
The mood at Carrington has shifted, with Amorim looking to reshape the team in his image and prioritise players who are fully committed to the new project.
“Sometimes you adapt to one guy, you have the connection. Other times, you want a new challenge, so we try to make everything okay to all the parts,” Amorim said.
“To the club, to the coach and to the players. It’s a natural thing in football.”
As Manchester United prepare for life without Garnacho, Chelsea could soon be welcoming a new spark to Stamford Bridge.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 07.05.2025