Garnacho Hints at United Exit After Europa League Final Disappointment

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is unhappy about not playing much in the Europa League final. He is now wondering about his future with the team.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester United lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Bilbao. Garnacho was frustrated because he played only 20 minutes. The 20-year-old had been a key player for United in their European campaign, scoring one goal and assisting four. Manager Ruben Amorim chose to bench Garnacho in favour of Mason Mount. Garnacho was only brought on in the 71st minute, with his side already trailing after a first-half goal from Brennan Johnson.

“I played every round to help the team reach the final, and today I only got 20 minutes… I don’t know,” Garnacho told reporters after the match. His comments hint at serious dissatisfaction with his role in the team during this crucial fixture

THE BIGGER PICTURE

United have underperformed domestically, culminating in Garnacho labelling the campaign “a disaster” following their defeat in Bilbao. The Red Devils ended the season trophyless and look likely to miss out on next season’s Champions League. They also failed to compete against top opposition or finish in the Premier League’s top four.

More worryingly for United, the defeat represented their fifth to Spurs in as many meetings this term. It remains to be seen how their supporters will react to their second league title in as many seasons. Garnacho has been one of United’s rare bright sparks this season, topping the club’s scoring charts and breaking the 20-goal mark in all competitions. This makes Amorim’s decision to bench him for the final even more baffling and frustrating for fans and the winger alike.

WHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO?

The Argentine is one of the United stars who will be followed by the cameras in the side’s documentary series that will air in December. In his final interview before the summer, Garnacho admitted that he is yet to decide his future. He said he would consider what to do after the summer but stressed that he wants to win silverware. In the documentary, it was shown that Garnacho signed a nine-year contract in an unprecedented new deal for United. However, if he wants a move to end his nightmare, United would be forced to sell rather than spend years with the Argentine hanging around and considering his options.