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Manchester United produced a stunning come-from-behind win against Manchester City last weekend despite missing their two most prolific goalscorers.
Ruben Amorim took the bold call to drop Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford from the matchday squad and yet, his team went toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s team displaying a level of control not seen in recent years.
“We try to evaluate everything – training, performance, game performance, engagement with the teammates, push the teammates up,” was the reasoning given by the new head coach behind the decision which was supported by INEOS.
The selection call saw the rumour mill link the Argentina international with an exit to La Liga but the Old Trafford side have not given up on the Carrington graduate.
Garnacho still has a future at United
Now it is up to the Argentine to reclaim his place in the starting lineup. He has been named as part of the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday unlike the Mancunian.
The England international’s bombshell interview coupled with his poor form and general poor demeanour means a separation is on the cards.
However, as revealed by Football Insider, Garnacho’s future does not lie away from Old Trafford, at least not yet.
Amorim has laid down a marker and now, it is up to the 20-year-old to improve and impress the boss to turn around his fortunes at the club. He has previously done so back when Erik ten Hag was at the helm.
“Man United star Alejandro Garnacho is not yet headed for a move away from Old Trafford despite his derby day axing, sources have told Football Insider.
Garnacho needs to impress the coach
“It is believed Amorim is trying to lay down a marker for Garnacho and Rashford having been unimpressed with their application since his appointment.
“Sources say the ball is now in the court of the Argentina international to turn things around in the coming weeks. It is understood the 20-year-old winger is not currently being lined up for an exit in the transfer market.”
Garnacho is the top-scorer so far this season with eight goals and four assists in 24 appearances and his contract with the Red Devils is valid until 2028 having signed a new deal last year.
United have shown they can win without the Argentine. Now it is up to him to work twice as hard to win his place back in the squad.
Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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