Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is set to buy dinner for his teammates as a form of “punishment” following his reaction to being substituted against Ipswich.
Garnacho caused a stir when he walked straight off the pitch after being substituted before halftime in the midweek game against Ipswich, and he didn’t return to the bench for the second half.
Manager Ruben Amorim addressed the situation after the match, mentioning that he would speak with Garnacho, who had previously been disciplined for attitude issues earlier in the season.
However, according to Amorim, the 20-year-old Argentinian player personally apologized and agreed to treat his teammates to dinner as an unofficial “punishment” and gesture of reconciliation.
Amorim explained, “It was quite funny because the next day, he came to my office.”
“I inquired about what happened, and it turns out he went to the dressing room to change his wet clothes.”
“He watched the rest of the game from a different area, not the bench, and was present at the end before heading home.”
“There’s no real issue, but I emphasized to him that at Manchester United, everything is significant, and perception is very important at a club of this stature.”
“He will be paying for a team dinner, and that resolves the matter.”
Earlier in December, Garnacho, along with Marcus Rashford, was dropped from the squad for the Manchester derby due to concerns about their attitude.
The United manager noted Garnacho’s positive response since the previous incident, but acknowledged the challenges players face with the intense scrutiny at United, particularly from social media.
He commented, “I believe he understands, but they are aware of everything, even minor details.”
“I know the players well and understand their frustration. He was performing well and was taken off at that point in the match.”
“Dealing with everything is difficult, but they must. I am simply trying to help them improve as players, while also being aware of the modern football environment.”
“Today’s football is vastly different for players due to social media. They are heavily focused on it.”
“You can’t engage with social media without encountering news stories or photos, and if they read something negative, they might dwell on it. Even with many positive comments, a single negative one can become the focus.”
“So, I believe it’s very challenging for them. Some may call it being soft, but they are constantly exposed to public criticism, which is genuinely hard to cope with.”
“However, they must learn to handle it, and they need support to do so. This is modern football, and they need to be ready for it.”
Garnacho sustained a knock during the Ipswich game and is doubtful for the FA Cup match against Fulham on Sunday, although he is not facing club suspension.
Amorim reported no other players returning from injury, meaning he will have the same squad available as midweek, except for Patrick Dorgu, who is suspended.
