If Garnacho shines, MU will lose more than one game

Garnacho will be at Old Trafford this weekend, but in a Chelsea shirt.

For fans, it was a chance to see again the talent that once sparked hope. But for coach Ruben Amorim, it was like a referendum on his leadership ability - because if his former student shined, the already shaky trust would be further shattered.

From hope to controversial name

There are matches that go beyond the 90-minute framework, becoming a measure of an entire coaching dynasty. The match between Manchester United and Chelsea, which will take place at 11:30 p.m. on September 20 in round 5 of the Premier League, is one of them, when Alejandro Garnacho - the "son" of Old Trafford - returns to face his old coach Ruben Amorim.

More than just a reunion, this is a tough test for the Portuguese coach, who has bet his faith on a strategy of removing Garnacho to establish new discipline and order.

Garnacho was once the epitome of a true Manchester United star: speed, technique, daring and a touch of arrogance. Fans loved him so much that they sang “Viva Garnacho” in the same way they praised Cristiano Ronaldo - their biggest idol. The moment of his Puskas Award-winning bicycle kick against Everton, or the opening goal in the 2024 FA Cup final against Man City, are deeply imprinted in the fans’ memories.

However, behind the flashes of brilliance lies a string of troubles. Garnacho often overreacts when substituted, likes posts criticizing the coach, or brags excessively on social media.

Under Erik ten Hag, such actions were somewhat overlooked, as the Dutch strategist still considered him a pillar of the future. But for Ruben Amorim - the builder of a style of play that emphasized tactical discipline - such arrogance was unacceptable.

Garnacho is a confusing case for MU.

Just a few months into his tenure, Amorim put Garnacho in the “flop squad”. It sent a strong message to the team: no one was above the team. The problem was, it also meant United lost one of their most creative and innovative players.

The Battle of Memory and Consequences

Ironically, Garnacho made his Manchester United first team debut in 2022 against Chelsea. Three years later, he wore Chelsea's shirt to return to his old home. The story was even more bitter when Manchester United received 40 million pounds - a low figure compared to the value of a player who contributed 21 goals and assists last season. That was the consequence of his being devalued in the "flop team".

For fans, the reaction to Garnacho is likely to be a mixture of boos and regret. They won’t hate him the way they hated Fernando Torres when he left Liverpool for Chelsea. Garnacho remains a fond memory, and if there is whistling, it will be mainly to affirm support for Amorim. But the danger for the manager is that if Garnacho shines, if Chelsea leave Old Trafford victorious, the whistling can quickly turn into questioning.

Since his appointment, Amorim has been given absolute authority by the Manchester United Board of Directors to restructure the squad. The sale of Garnacho, a “gem” from the academy, is a testament to that belief. But every belief has its limits, especially when the “Red Devils” are struggling with an average of only one point per game in the Premier League.

In that context, Garnacho’s return is an unofficial referendum on Amorim. If Manchester United win, his decision will be seen as a brave move, one that puts team discipline above individuality. But if it fails, and especially if Garnacho shines, it will become a stick with which the public and fans will bash the manager – that he let a talent slip away in exchange for poor results.

Will Garnacho shine and prove that Ruben Amorim was wrong to push him away?

From a technical perspective, Garnacho was also a victim of tactical changes. He shone in Ten Hag’s 4-3-3 formation, where pure wingers had a chance to play. But in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, he was forced to play as an attacking midfielder or wing-back, positions that were not suitable for him. Combined with his impulsive personality, conflicts were inevitable.

However, the generational factor cannot be ignored. Garnacho joined Manchester United at the age of 16, when the world was in the midst of a pandemic. A boy far from home, with little language skills, prone to behavioral mistakes. His attachment to his phone, actions considered “narcissistic” may just be a manifestation of the new generation. The question is: is Amorim too rigid, or does he simply not have the time to be patient with such a player?

Garnacho returned to Old Trafford, no longer the young man wearing the number 49 shirt waiting for his chance, but a Chelsea star determined to prove his worth. For fans, it was an opportunity to recall golden memories mixed with regret. For Garnacho, it was a chance to prove himself. But most importantly, for Ruben Amorim, this was a test that could not be failed.

Because if Garnacho shines and Manchester United fall, the referendum result will be clear: faith in Amorim will be broken, and the managerial seat at Old Trafford could be hotter than ever.

Source: https://znews.vn/neu-garnacho-toa-sang-mu-se-mat-nhieu-hon-mot-tran-thua-post1586790.html