Manchester United sent a timely reminder of Alejandro Garnacho's quality and standing at the club as a late January transfer remains on the table. The attacker is a target for both Chelsea and Napoli in what promises to be a dramatic final few days of the window.
Garnacho played the second half away to FCSB on Thursday night, impressing on the left wing from a deeper role after replacing Tyrell Malacia at the break. He made an immediate impact, too, assisting Kobbie Mainoo's goal.
It is a reward for a promising response to Ruben Amorim's brutal Manchester Derby snub earlier this season. Along with Rashford, Garnacho was cut from the squad for the crunch meeting but has earned a way back into the side unlike his fellow attacking teammate.
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Speaking about the reaction on Friday ahead of Sunday's match with Crystal Palace, Amorim explained just how things have shifted. “He changed right after that City game," the head coach said. "He’s improving but it’s not from me — it’s the way he understands things.
“I just want to help him. He understands sometimes I am a different coach. That I’m demanding in my way and sometimes it is hard to make the first impact. All the merit is for Garnacho. He understood the position, playing inside and outside. The connection with Mainoo.”
Since being linked with a move away from Old Trafford Garnacho has shown just why United value him at over £60million. That was enough to put off Napoli but has not dissuaded their ostensible league rivals.
Chelsea have been debating a bid for the player throughout the window whilst Tottenham have now emerged as surprise contenders after being rejected by Mathys Tel. There are contrasting reports around whether a late offer has been made by Daniel Levy's club.
Putting the noise to one side, United made a timely and pointed social media post dedicated to Garnacho. At the same time that talks of Tel were ramping up, the club wrote on X (formerly Twitter) "VIVA GARNACHO [numbers one and seven plus star emojis]".
Alongside images of Garnacho playing against FCSB, with the background of phone lights from the stands, it is clear, positive message for a player who has split opinion within the fanbase but is proving to be a popular member of the squad.
