Ruben Amorim praises Alejandro Garnacho revival after Manchester United snub

MANCHESTER – Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says winger Alejandro Garnacho has won him over by changing “everything” since the Argentinian was dropped for the derby win against Manchester City.

Amorim surprisingly axed Garnacho and Marcus Rashford from the United squad for the 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Dec 15.

Rashford remains in exile and has hinted he wants to leave Old Trafford, with Amorim urging the England forward to improve if he wants to play for the club again.

In contrast, Garnacho has ignored speculation he could be sold before the transfer window closes on Feb 3, impressing Amorim with his improved attitude and performances. Napoli and Chelsea are reportedly interested in the winger.

The 20-year-old maintained his renaissance by coming off the bench to provide the assist for Kobbie Mainoo’s goal in United’s 2-0 win at FC Steaua Bucharest (FCSB) in the Europa League on Jan 30.

“He changed right away since that game against City. The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games,” Amorim said.

“He changed in everything – the approach when you talk with him, the way he recovers.”

Garnacho has often been used as an impact substitute by Amorim, after starting more regularly under his predecessor Erik ten Hag. And the former Sporting Lisbon boss revealed he has sometimes pushed Garnacho hard to draw more consistency from him.

“He understands that sometimes I’m a different coach, that I am demanding in my way and sometimes it’s hard,” he said. “He understands that it is never in a bad way, it’s always for him, but I am different person.

“I think all the merit goes to Garnacho. He is improving and we want to continue to improve with Garnacho.”

There has also been talk about midfielder Mainoo, 19, being sold as the club try to juggle profit and sustainability requirements, while providing Amorim with funds to revamp his squad. But he gave a Man-of-the-Match performance, featuring a goal and an assist, against FCSB as Amorim moved him to a more attacking midfield role.

Amorim, whose team host Crystal Palace in the English Premier League on Feb 2, said fewer defensive responsibilities would help Mainoo. Downplaying talk over contract negotiations potentially affecting the teenager, he said: “I don’t think it is about the contract. Everybody in England sees him as a very good player.

“He played in the European Championship final, so I think it is more the position. Then he’s not comfortable because before he was always playing and now he sometimes plays, sometimes doesn’t.

“It’s different for him, it demands a lot from him and in that position, I feel that he was more happy to play. If they are happy, they play better. Simple as that.”

Amorim provided an update on injured England defender Luke Shaw, who suffered a setback in January less than two weeks after returning to action from a long layoff but is now back in training.

“It will take a little bit more time. I think he needs to train more, to spend more time with the teammates playing normal or small-side games, not just working alone,” said the manager.

“When I feel it is the right moment, we will start with some minutes in the games.” 

He is set to get more competition for the left-back spot, with United reportedly close to signing Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, meanwhile, is hoping for more arrivals before the window closes. They have signed only 19-year-old winger Romain Esse from Millwall.

The Austrian said: “We planned two signings – one was Romain Esse. We are still working on the second one. I’m pretty confident we will get this deal done.

“The club may look for a centre-back but they ‘don’t need it immediately’ and will only get one if something good comes up.”

Glasner revealed midfielder Cheick Doucoure needs surgery on his knee, while defender Chadi Riad has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. Creative talisman Eberechi Eze is out with a knock.

But midfielders Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca are both back in training after long spells out.

Aside from Shaw, United are still missing the injured Mason Mount and Jonny Evans. AFP, REUTERS