Alejandro Garnacho’s social media reaction to half-time sub speaks volumes

Alejandro Garnacho’s social media reaction to half-time sub speaks volumes

Alejandro Garnacho was taken off at half-time as Manchester United drew at Bournemouth

 

Alejandro Garnacho reacted on social media after being subbed at half-time in Man United’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth. In a now deleted post, the 19-year-old uploaded a picture of himself from the clash on his Instagram story, looking down at the ground with his hands on his hips.

 

But tellingly, the image also had a ‘zip mouth’ emoji on it, implying the 19-year-old didn’t want to say his true thoughts. He later replaced that symbol with a different ‘shock face’ emoji.

 

In his post-match press conference, Erik ten Hag had appeared to blame the Argentinian for the opening goal, saying: “Down the right side they were finding ways to hurt us and there were jobs to be done but it was not always done. Then you get problems. Go with your opponent, that is your job. One part is collaboration and the other is discipline.”

 

And to add further fuel to the fire, Garnacho also liked a post on X by The United Stand presenter Mark Goldbridge, who wrote: “Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the post match press conference…not a good look throwing a 19 year old under the bus who has actually delivered for you this season. But then again he’s clearly scared of upsetting the bigger earners.”

 

It wasn’t the Goldbridge post that Garnacho acknowledged, also adding a like to “Garnacho has been one of our best players this season. Poor first half but taking him off at half time and holding him up as the problem is a joke.”

 

After an inept display in the opening 45 minutes, United trailed 2-1 with Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert scoring for the hosts. In-between Bruno Fernandes has struck an equaliser that the Red Devils scarcely deserved, and Ten Hag’s men were fortunate to only trail by one goal at the break.

 

It was Garnacho who had created the goal for his captain with a cut-back pass. But surprisingly, he was hooked off at the interval, and replaced by Amad Diallo.

 

Arguably, the change of personnel paid off for the Dutchman, with the visitors levelling again as Fernandes converted a penalty after Kobbie Mainoo’s shot deflected on to the hand of the unfortunate Adam Smith. Bournemouth were awarded a spot-kick in injury time, only for a VAR check to deem Willie Kambwala’s foul on Ryan Christie took place outside the box.

 

But with only one Premier League win in his last seven league games, Ten Hag cut a despondent figure at the final whistle. The result leaves his side 10 points off fifth-placed Tottenham, and all but ends their hopes of Champions League qualification.

 

 

 

 

Man Utd players ‘expect Erik ten Hag sack’ after training decision raised eyebrows

It’s not looking good for Erik ten Hag as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS weigh up his Man Utd future.

 

 

Several Manchester United players reportedly believe Erik ten Hag will be sacked this summer as the club’s disastrous season stumbles to an underwhelming conclusion. Just one win in seven Premier League games has obliterated morale and left Ten Hag’s minimum requirement of Champions League qualification almost out of reach.

 

 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 28 per cent stake in February increased scrutiny on the Dutchman’s position amid a below-par second campaign.

 

INEOS have overseen sweeping changes in the United hierarchy since inheriting total control of football operations from the Glazer family.

 

Omar Berrada will replace Richard Arnold as chief executive this summer, and Jason Wilcox is set to join him as technical director in the coming weeks. Both have contributed to Manchester City’s current successful structure.

 

 

Dan Ashworth will also arrive as the club’s new sporting director once he serves his Newcastle United gardening leave, with further appointments expected.

 

United’s lack of progress on the pitch this term has left Ten Hag’s future in serious doubt, and sections of his dressing room reportedly believe he is already resigned to his fate.

 

According to the Manchester Evening News, numerous United players are convinced the club will have a new head coach next season.

 

Much of the current senior squad isn’t guaranteed to remain at Old Trafford beyond the summer as Ratcliffe looks to get ruthless in driving change on and off the pitch.

 

However, some players are said to be delaying decisions on their futures, and it remains to be seen who will be in charge of the 2024/25 campaign.

 

Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all out of contract in July. Sofyan Amrabat’s loan won’t become permanent.

 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, and Amad Diallo are all.

 

And Ten Hag could be among the departures, despite insisting he had “no doubts” he would receive a third year in the Old Trafford dugout.

 

The report adds that Ten Hag’s decision to hand his players a day off last Monday after the 2-2 draw against Liverpool. He is claimed to treat recovery days more seriously than previous managers.

 

Whether that’s a desperate attempt to change his approach and salvage the season remains to be seen. What is certain, though, is that United are on course for their worst-ever Premier League season.