The Struggles and Promising Future of Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho, the young Argentine forward, has found himself at a challenging crossroads in his career at Manchester United. Despite his early successes and undeniable potential, recent performances have led to questions surrounding his future and current form. While the 20-year-old’s journey at United has been filled with highs and lows, one thing is clear: he is a player with immense talent, but at the moment, he’s struggling to find consistency and a place in the team.
Garnacho’s Early Breakthroughs and Impact at Manchester United
Garnacho’s rise to prominence at Manchester United has been nothing short of exciting. A standout in United’s youth ranks, his performances earned him a spot in the first team, where he didn’t disappoint. In the 2022-23 season, Garnacho made his debut for the senior side in April 2022 and quickly became a fixture in Erik ten Hag’s squad.
One of his most memorable moments came in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, where he scored the opening goal in a stunning 2-1 victory. His youthful exuberance and fearlessness made him an immediate fan favorite, and he was often seen posing with his teammates, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rasmus Højlund, celebrating the trophy triumph.
Just two months later, Garnacho was back at Wembley, scoring in the Community Shield against the same Manchester City side. That goal was part of a remarkable start to the 2023-24 season, where he bagged eight goals in his first 20 games. However, things have not gone as smoothly since then.
The Numbers Behind Garnacho’s Recent Form
Despite his early promise, Garnacho has been far from the dynamic, game-changing force he once was. His statistics this season reveal a player whose confidence and consistency have been affected.
In 29 Premier League appearances this season, Garnacho has managed just four goals, making him United’s third-highest scorer. He has also contributed with nine goals and eight assists across all competitions. However, his numbers in other areas don’t reflect the same level of impact. He has created 26 chances, placing him outside the top 50 in the league for that category. Additionally, his dribbling stats leave much to be desired: Garnacho has attempted 65 dribbles but has only completed 20, ranking him 75th among Premier League players.
His conversion rate, a key measure of a forward’s effectiveness, is concerningly low at 5.9%. Despite taking 68 shots in the league, his low rate of successful finishes indicates a lack of clinical edge. Garnacho is also in the top 10 for carries ending in shots (24) and 20th for carries that result in a chance created (15). But, as his manager Ruben Amorim has pointed out, his decision-making, particularly in the final third, remains a key area for improvement.
A Changing Role Under Ruben Amorim
While Garnacho’s individual numbers have dipped, so too has his role within the team. Under former manager Erik ten Hag, Garnacho thrived as a wide attacker, where his pace and directness could be fully utilized. However, under Amorim, United have shifted to a formation where wing-backs provide the width, and inside forwards are tasked with creating penetration into the opposition’s defensive lines. This tactical shift has not played to Garnacho’s strengths.
Amorim has expressed his desire to help Garnacho adapt to this new system, but the transition has been challenging for the young forward. Speaking recently, Amorim said, “I think he is doing the right things. Like any player in our team, he has to choose better, especially in the last third.” The Portuguese manager acknowledged that Garnacho is improving, but he also pointed out that his performances have not reached the level required. “He needs more goals and assists, that is clear,” Amorim added.
Confidence and Mentality: Garnacho Inner Struggles
Garnacho’s dip in form isn’t just about numbers; there is a deeper, mental aspect to his struggles. Sources close to the player have suggested that his confidence is at a low ebb. Despite his incredible talent, Garnacho’s mental state may be affecting his performances on the pitch. A high-level coaching source pointed out that the young forward is “nervous,” a trait that first emerged when he was breaking into the senior squad.
It is clear that Garnacho is at his best when he is playing with a clear mind, but at the moment, he seems to be overthinking his decisions. As a result, he has been snatching at chances and making poor decisions in key moments. His technique, once praised for its raw potential, has been described as “scruffy” by United legend Paul Scholes, who also highlighted Garnacho’s poor decision-making at times.
This mental struggle was evident during a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, where Garnacho squandered several chances and was shown a yellow card for kicking the ball away in frustration. His body language spoke volumes about his internal struggles, and it’s clear that he is feeling the pressure.
A Player at a Crossroads: The Future at Manchester United
As Garnacho continues to wrestle with form and confidence, questions have emerged about his future at Manchester United. Despite his undeniable talent, the club’s hierarchy and Amorim’s tactical system may not be the ideal fit for his skills. It’s worth noting that Garnacho’s contract status and value to the club are key factors in any potential departure. The player is still viewed as one of United’s most valuable assets, with his current market value estimated at £55 million.
There was significant interest in Garnacho during the January 2025 transfer window, with clubs like Napoli and Chelsea reportedly pursuing him. While United never actively pushed him out the door, they did not rule out the possibility of a sale either. Garnacho himself was aware of the speculation, and it’s likely that the uncertainty around his future affected his mindset on the pitch.
Although he remains an integral part of United’s plans, Garnacho’s role in the team appears to be shifting. His lack of a defined role in Amorim’s tactical setup could see him become a “square peg” in a system that doesn’t suit him. This poses an interesting dilemma for both the player and the club moving forward.
A Young Player with Time to Grow
At just 20 years old, Garnacho still has plenty of time to develop and refine his game. It’s important to remember that this is the first real dip in form of his young career. He has already shown flashes of brilliance, and there is every reason to believe that he will be able to overcome these challenges with the right support and guidance.
Off the field, Garnacho is known for his professionalism and dedication. He is often seen arriving early to training for individual gym work and is dedicated to improving his English. Despite his quiet demeanor off the pitch, he remains a popular figure among fans and teammates alike. His maturity is also evident in his role within the squad, as he has begun to form closer bonds with the senior players.
Ultimately, Garnacho’s future at Manchester United is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: he is a player with immense potential. It may just be a matter of time before he finds his form again and fulfills his promise as one of the brightest young talents in world football.
Whether Garnacho’s future lies at Old Trafford or elsewhere remains to be seen. For now, the young forward will need to continue working hard to overcome his current struggles and rediscover the confidence that made him one of United’s most exciting prospects. The journey is far from over, and there’s every chance that we’ll see a more refined, consistent Alejandro Garnacho in the near future.
