Ruben Amorim: Manchester United boss on how Alejandro Garnacho ‘changed right away’ after derby omission
Published 31/01/2025 at 17:59 GMT
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim had words of praise for Alejandro Garnacho ahead of his side's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Amorim's decision to leave Garnacho and Marcus Rashford out of his squad for the Manchester derby in December shocked many, but the United boss praised the Argentinian's response since, hailing his recent improvements.
Highlights: Dalot and Mainoo book last-16 spot for Man Utd
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ruben Amorim said Alejandro Garnacho "changed right away" after being left out of the Manchester United squad against rivals Manchester City last month.
Amorim's decision to leave Garnacho and fellow forward Marcus Rashford out of the squad sent shockwaves ahead of the match, but United managed to pick up a dramatic 2-1 victory, thanks to a last-gasp winner by Amad Diallo.
Rashford has since remained out of Amorim's matchday squads, while Garnacho found himself coming back into the reckoning – while there was still speculation around the winger's future at Old Trafford.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Amorim hailed Garnacho's recent improvements and his response to being left out of the squad for the Manchester derby.
"He changed right away since that game against Manchester City, the way he understands things, he understands that I just want to help him and I just want to win games.
"He changed in everything – the approach when I talk to him, the way he recovers, he understands sometimes I'm a different coach and that I'm demanding in my way.
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Highlights: Dalot and Mainoo book last-16 spot for Man Utd
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Sometimes it's hard with the first impact because it's a different type of coach. He understands [now] that it's never in a bad way – it's always for him.
"I think all the merit is for Garnacho. He is improving and we want to continue to improve with Garnacho. On Thursday he understood the position, the moments of playing inside or outside, and the connection with Diogo Dalot is improving a lot."
United have won three consecutive matches in all competitions, sealing their spot in the UEFA Europa League last 16 and ending a tough run of form, but remain slumped in 12th place in the Premier League.
And Amorim has yet to add to his squad in the January transfer window, though reports suggest they are nearing the completion of a deal for Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu.
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The United boss said the club must "take advantage" of their prestigious academy in order to raise future funds.
"I want players like Kobbie [Mainoo] and Garnacho," said Amorim. "The focus is that we have to improve the academy and we have to bring more [players through].
"That is something that all the clubs in England have to take advantage, the players that come from the academy.
"To play, to feel the shirt and to sell. Our focus is to bring more, the rest I just want to prepare with both of them the next game."
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