Garnacho and Amorim Clash Rocks United

Alejandro Garnacho, one of Manchester United's brightest young talents, has found himself at the centre of a club controversy following his exclusion from the Manchester derby last month. According to the Daily Mail, the incident stemmed from a Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen, just three days before the City clash.

A Gesture that Raised Eyebrows

Sources close to the club have revealed that the Argentine youth international seemingly turned away and walked off as Ruben Amorim was giving him instructions on the touchline before being introduced. This gesture, perceived by some as disrespectful, prompted the manager to drop the winger for the derby and subsequent matches.

A Misunderstanding or a Lack of Respect?

Garnacho's camp has vehemently denied any intentional disrespect towards Amorim, attributing the incident to a misunderstanding. However, this episode has highlighted the high standards set by Amorim since his arrival, as he seeks to instill a culture of discipline and commitment within the squad.

A System that Doesn't Fit

The suitability of Garnacho's playing style to Amorim's 3-4-3 system has also come under scrutiny following his exclusion. In his place, Joshua Zirkzee was deployed on the left wing during the recent defeat to Newcastle, although he was substituted before half-time by Kobbie Mainoo, reflecting United's struggles to find stability in their starting eleven.

On the Bench and in the Firing Line

Although Garnacho has been on the bench for the past four matches, the club has insisted that there is no long-term rift between the player and the manager. Amorim, known for his demanding approach, has maintained that the decision to drop the forward was tactical rather than personal.

Souness Stirs the Pot

Former Tottenham, Middlesbrough, and Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has weighed in on the situation, expressing concern about the overall culture at the club. In a column for the Daily Mail, Souness described Manchester United as a "nest of vipers" and suggested that the club has a long-standing problem with player discipline.

Souness singled out Garnacho, stating: "Last week I talked about the example set by Bruno Fernandes and then I find out that Alejandro Garnacho is unhappy with the manager. Who exactly is he to be unhappy? The last time I looked, he was a 20-year-old kid. One who is only one rung above the bottom of a 10-rung ladder. Who are you? Act like a big-time player on the pitch and, unless you change, you have no chance of fulfilling the obvious potential you have."

An Uncertain Future

At just 20 years old, Garnacho is considered one of the most promising young talents in both Argentina and Europe. Since his debut, he has showcased exceptional ability, but he now faces the challenge of establishing himself in a team undergoing significant changes under Amorim's guidance. Following the incident against City, the Argentine international has started every game on the bench and has been introduced as a substitute in defeats against Bournemouth, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Tottenham.

A Club in Crisis

The Red Devils have suffered three consecutive defeats in the Premier League, leaving them 14th in the table with just 22 points, 23 behind leaders Liverpool and only seven points above Ipswich, who are currently in the relegation zone.

Garnacho's situation highlights the internal tensions within Manchester United. Amorim's high standards, coupled with Garnacho's youthful exuberance, have created a volatile mix. The future of the young Argentine at the club is uncertain, but it is clear that his career is being closely watched by fans and experts worldwide.