Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim plans to speak with Alejandro Garnacho after the winger went straight to the dressing room following his substitution in the first half of United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich.
Amorim replaced Garnacho with defender Noussair Mazraoui two minutes before halftime, responding to Patrick Dorgu’s red card. The Argentina international bypassed the bench, heading inside amid heavy rain at Old Trafford. His return for the second half remains unclear.
“I am going to talk with Garnacho about that,” Amorim said.
In December, Garnacho was dropped for the Manchester City derby along with Marcus Rashford, partly due to training performances and attitude. Unlike Rashford, who is now on loan at Aston Villa, Garnacho quickly returned to first-team action.
Amorim dismissed comparisons between the situations, citing the wet and cold conditions. His tactical switch aimed to maintain United’s shape with five defenders. “We had to choose someone to go out. It was my choice,” he said.
Hard-fought win in a difficult week
This victory comes during a challenging period for United, with up to 200 job losses expected over the next four months. Chief executive Omar Berrada’s announcement to staff earlier in the week added to the club’s turmoil.
While a mid-season home win against a struggling Ipswich side might not resonate long-term, United fans welcomed the spirited comeback. After conceding an early goal and managing a red card setback, Amorim praised the supporters: “They want to see the team fight to the end.”
Internally, United officials acknowledge the low morale but insist the restructuring is necessary. Despite 15th place in the Premier League table, the club maintains faith in Amorim, seeing current struggles as part of adapting to a new system.
Amorim eyes improvement despite challenges
Amorim understands that managing United amplifies scrutiny. His team’s gritty performances, including the FA Cup win at Arsenal and a resilient draw against Liverpool, haven’t always aligned with his vision for the club’s playing style.
With United now 14th in the league, the focus shifts to crucial upcoming fixtures against Fulham in the FA Cup and Real Sociedad in the Europa League. Dorgu’s suspension will impact selection for the Fulham clash.
Off the field, United’s cost-cutting measures, including the removal of free staff lunches, reflect broader challenges. Yet Amorim remains focused on building momentum, even as every move is magnified by the spotlight surrounding the club.
Amorim’s fourth home Premier League win featured plenty of drama, but more significant strides are needed to dispel the dark clouds over Old Trafford.
