The comeback of Alejandro Garnacho to Old Trafford is reminiscent of a vote on Ruben Amorim's management at the club
Manchester United fans are preparing for a bittersweet reunion, as Alejandro Garnacho, who left the club for Chelsea at the end of August, is set to return to Old Trafford this weekend.
Garnacho, who made his United debut in April 2022 under Ralf Rangnick, was central to some of the club's better moments in recent times after his first-team breakthrough in the 2022-23 season. However, his time at Old Trafford was marred by a series of incidents that eventually led to his departure.
One of the most notable incidents occurred at Bournemouth in April 2024, when Garnacho reacted badly to being substituted at half-time. He posted a shocked emoji on his Instagram story and liked tweets that criticised Ten Hag's decision. This behaviour did not sit well with the club's head coach, Ruben Amorim, who did not approve of Garnacho's reaction.
Amorim's disapproval of Garnacho's behaviour was not limited to this incident. The coach introduced Garnacho as an 81st-minute substitute in the Europa League tie at Viktoria Plzen last December, but perceived that Garnacho had turned away and was not listening. This incident, along with Garnacho's late arrival to team meetings during the summer tour of Thailand and Australia in 2022, strained the relationship between the two.
Garnacho's social media activity also came under scrutiny. In September of 2024, he liked a post that detailed criticism of Ten Hag by Ronaldo. This action, coupled with his behaviour on the pitch, led to criticism of his attitude.
Despite these incidents, Garnacho's departure from United was not met with open hostility from the fans. Any boos for Garnacho would be of the pantomime variety, not indicative of genuine hatred. The match-going United fans retain a good deal of affection and appreciation for Garnacho, despite his departure.
United have received £40 million from Chelsea for Garnacho, making him their fourth-highest sale behind Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku and Ángel Di María in that order. This fee was below the market rate for a player who finished last season with 21 goals and assists.
Garnacho's brother, Roberto, has spoken out about the situation, saying that Garnacho had been "thrown under the bus" by Amorim on Instagram.
As Garnacho returns to Old Trafford with Chelsea, it remains to be seen how the fans will react. One thing is certain, though — the return of Alejandro Garnacho to Old Trafford is sure to be a talking point for United fans for some time to come.
In a post-match interview after the Europa League final against Tottenham in May, Garnacho himself acknowledged the impact of the season and the situation at the club on his decision to leave. "The final will influence [what he did next] but it's the whole season, the situation of the club," he said in the mixed zone.
Garnacho's United debut was a memorable one, as he came on as a substitute at Old Trafford against Chelsea in April 2022. However, his return to Old Trafford with Chelsea on Saturday is likely to be a more sombre affair. Garnacho walked straight down the tunnel after his 45th-minute substitution against Ipswich in February of this year, following a red card for Patrick Dorgu and an Amorim tactical reshuffle. This incident, along with the series of incidents that led to his departure, has left a lasting impression on United fans.
The hierarchy at Manchester United also endorsed Amorim's decision to sell Garnacho. Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, who were pictured with Garnacho on an Old Trafford hoarding after he scored a goal, are no longer part of Manchester United's starting XI or team, respectively.
As Garnacho prepares to return to Old Trafford with Chelsea, he will undoubtedly be aware of the mixed feelings that his return will evoke among United fans. Despite his departure, Garnacho's time at United will always be remembered for his contributions to some of the club's better moments in recent times. It remains to be seen how Garnacho will be received by the fans, but one thing is certain — his return to Old Trafford is sure to be a talking point for United fans for some time to come.
