Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has set a clear challenge for Alejandro Garnacho, as questions surrounding the winger’s future at Old Trafford intensify.
The Argentine talent has struggled to cement his place under Amorim, starting only five of the 13 matches since the Portuguese coach took over. Garnacho was notably left out of the squad during United’s recent derby victory against Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Napoli has reportedly taken an interest in Garnacho as they prepare for the potential departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is rumored to be heading to Paris Saint-Germain.
Amorim has stressed that for Garnacho to thrive in his system, he must adapt to a new tactical role. “He has immense talent, but he needs to learn to play in a different position,” Amorim explained. “He needs to be more effective in central areas.”
The manager acknowledged Garnacho’s improvement in off-the-ball work but highlighted that it occasionally disrupts his positioning during transitions.
Under Amorim’s philosophy, which prioritizes defensive stability before attacking movements, Garnacho has shown signs of progress. “He’s learning to perform better within this system,” Amorim said. “He’s improving in training, and he started the game against Arsenal. Let’s see how he performs against Southampton. I think he’s starting to view his role differently.”
After standout displays against Liverpool and Arsenal, Amorim aims to mold United into a more resilient team, particularly at Old Trafford. “We want to be difficult to play against,” he stated. “In recent home games, we’ve been too easy to break down, and we need to address that.”
Amorim emphasized the importance of consistency and rising to the challenge in the face of growing expectations. “The last two games taught me a lot about my players. We were underdogs, and no one expected us to perform as we did. Now, with expectations higher, the next game will reveal even more about our character and potential.”
As Garnacho navigates these challenges, his ability to adapt and grow will be crucial not only for his future at United but also in fending off interest from suitors like Napoli.