Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Manchester United continues to spiral into uncertainty following a new off-field controversy. Currently holidaying in Ibiza, the Argentine attacker sparked outrage after posting a photo wearing a shirt of ex-United teammate Marcus Rashford — now on loan at Aston Villa.
The stunt drew criticism from fans and pundits alike, with former Premier League striker Troy Deeney branding Garnacho a “wind-up” and suggesting that United captain Bruno Fernandes should “smash him” in training upon return.
Garnacho’s actions come at a time when he’s already on the fringes of the squad. After a difficult 2024–25 season, new manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly told the winger he is free to leave, with Napoli and Chelsea both circling. Despite his promise, Garnacho appears to have worn out his welcome at Old Trafford.
Deeney, speaking on talkSPORT, didn’t mince words. “He’s bored and has got no respect,” he said. “If it was me at United, I’d wait until he came back and smash him in training. This is Manchester United — who does he think he is?”
Rashford, also considered surplus to requirements, is believed to be pushing for a permanent move to Barcelona, despite Aston Villa’s interest in keeping him. Meanwhile, Fernandes turned down a lucrative Saudi offer to stay at United, underscoring a stark contrast in attitudes among the squad.
United’s summer rebuild is in full swing. With Matheus Cunha arriving from Wolves for £62.5m, the club is expected to offload several attacking players, including Garnacho, Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony. Rasmus Hojlund may also be on the move.
Gary Neville weighed in on the Garnacho saga, saying the club has little choice but to move the player on. “If players are challenging the manager publicly, the manager has to win. And this time, I think he will,” Neville said. “Garnacho will probably thrive in Spain — we might end up wondering why we let him go.”
As things stand, Garnacho’s time at Old Trafford looks to be coming to an unceremonious end — not because of poor talent, but due to poor judgment off the pitch.