Roy Keane verdict on Man United star speaks volumes amid controversy

Irish Daily Mirror

5 days ago

Alejandro Garnacho's tenure at Manchester United appears to be on shaky ground, with the Argentine joining Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony on the club's list of players earmarked for sale.
Just last month, it was revealed that the 20-year-old could be allowed to depart this summer if a suitable offer comes in. This news emerged shortly after he was left out of the starting line-up for the Europa League final in Bilbao.
The journey hasn't been smooth sailing for the young Argentine since his move from Atletico Madrid to Old Trafford in 2020. Initially playing for the academy, Garnacho made his senior debut during United's 3-0 victory over Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol in the 2022 UEFA Europa League, where he started alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, he has now found himself in hot water after posting a photo on social media of himself donning an Aston Villa shirt with Rashford's name and number on the back.
Over time, Garnacho has faced criticism for his conduct both on and off the pitch. United legend Roy Keane has not minced his words when critiquing the player, and here, MEN Sport reviews some of his remarks, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Keane has expressed doubts about Garnacho's reliability as a starter for United, suggesting he is more effective coming off the bench.
During a chat with ITV amidst United's FA Cup game against Leicester City in February, he said: "I think it suits Garnacho when he comes off the bench. I don't think you can trust him when he starts. But when he comes off the bench and you're gambling and the team is stretched, that's when he comes into his own.
"United put Leicester on the backfoot and the subs came on. That's what Garnacho does well. The first half United were going sideways and sideways. He came on and tested Leicester."
Before the clash with rivals Manchester City, Keane aired his views on the improvements the young Argentine winger should make.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I think recently there's been huge question marks over him, I think he makes decent runs, he is a threat, he does try to make runs in behind," He went on to critique: "But his end product has been so poor this year, particularly in recent games.
"That's an area of his game that, if he wants to stay at this Man United team and get Man United competing towards the top, end product is key. If we go back to even Foden, when they're all fit it's the end product, the final pass or actually getting a goal.
"So Garnacho, huge questions, I was a big fan of him last year and thought he was going to kick on but this season, but he's not as of yet."
After witnessing Garnacho's subdued celebration post-scoring in United's 3-0 triumph over Leicester City last November, Keane didn't mince his words. The ex-midfielder insisted that players ought to acknowledge the fans who make the effort to support them and suggested Garnacho should part ways with the club if he can't share his joy with the supporters.
"If you can't celebrate a goal, there is something drastically wrong with this game," Keane expressed on the Stick to Football podcast. "Whatever has gone on off the pitch for any player - it could be family stuff - you work all week, you're playing the game to score a goal.
"When you score a goal, there should be nothing else on your mind. You've got fans who have travelled, paid fortunes to get there, and he's [Garnacho] on about people having a go at him. People make sacrifices to travel to watch Manchester United, he scores a brilliant goal, they are having a tough time - and if a younger player can't enjoy scoring a goal for Man United, then get a job somewhere else."
Keane didn't hold back when discussing Garnacho following United's 1-0 loss to Chelsea last month. "Garnacho is immature," he declared.
"He plays in little moments, but he doesn't do enough. We spoke before the programme - you want players for the big clubs that turn up week in, week out. He doesn't do that. He's got a bit of talent; he makes some good runs and threatens in behind. On his good day, you think, 'I like what I see.' But he's got too many bad days."