Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute on his return to Old Trafford as Chelsea fell to defeat against Manchester United on Saturday in a keenly contested game.
The 21-year-old watched on from the bench as 10-man Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by Ruben Amorim’s side. Garnacho received an unfriendly reception from Manchester United fans throughout the game, but was unable to make his mark as Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca opted against bringing the Argentine on.
Fellow wingers Estevao and Pedro Neto were taken off early on after Robert Sanchez’s early red card, while Tyrique George was given the nod during Chelsea’s second half changes. Garnacho who left United for Chelsea in the summer after falling out with Amorim felt like he would end up having some sort of say in the game at Old Trafford.
However that didn’t happen. Initially, Maresca’s plan was to bring Garnacho on to help Chelsea get back into the game, but it was eventually decided he would remain on the bench. The Blues Boss has now revealed why, with Wesley Fofana playing a key role in the 45-year-old’s decision.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his X handle, Enzo Maresca explained that Garnacho had been sent to warm up with the intention of giving him minutes. However, when Wesley Fofana requested to be substituted, the coaching staff opted for Malo Gusto instead of introducing the Argentine winger. The post reads:
Maresca on Garnacho not playing. We sent him to warm up because the idea was to give Alejandro minutes. But Wes Fofana asked to be changed so we decided to go with Malo Gusto.
Softfootball understood that the winger would’ve relished a chance to play against his former side for the first time since leaving Old Trafford, but that never came to pass. The 21-year-old will be hoping to make his first Chelsea start on Tuesday evening against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup third round.
Garnacho has spent three consecutive games starting on the bench for Chelsea and he was at fault for a goal when he came on against Brentford. The ex-United youngster was never happy when he was on the bench at Old Trafford so it will be interesting how he handles a bit-part role at Chelsea for now.
United meanwhile will be hoping to build on this victory after a mixed start to the season, with games against Brentford and Sunderland coming before the next international break.
Amorim’s side could certainly do with getting three wins on the bounce before that period, with a game against Liverpool coming when the team returns after that break.
