Alejandro Garnacho has raised questions about his future at Manchester United following his omission from the starting lineup in the club’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
Despite being a regular starter throughout United’s knockout-stage campaign, the 20-year-old winger was benched by manager Ruben Amorim for Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat in Bilbao. Garnacho was only brought on with 19 minutes left as United chased an equaliser that never came.
“Until we reached the final, I played every round. And I played 20 minutes today… I don’t know,” Garnacho told reporters after the match. He also voiced frustration over United’s dismal season, which has seen them plummet to 16th in the Premier League with one game remaining.
“We didn’t beat anyone in the league. We lacked a lot of things. When you don’t score goals, you always need more,” he said.
Garnacho’s uncertain tone has fueled speculation about a potential exit. The Argentine was previously linked with Napoli and Chelsea in January, shortly after being left out of the squad for a clash against Manchester City.
“The final will influence (my decision) but the whole season, the situation of the club (will too),” he added. “I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens afterwards.”
Tension surrounding his omission grew further after Garnacho’s brother, Roberto, posted on social media that the player had been “thrown under the bus.”
Amorim, meanwhile, defended his decision to start Mason Mount, who had scored twice as a substitute in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.
“Some players come in, like Mason Mount, against Bilbao and changed the game,” said Amorim. “Who missed the big opportunity in the first half against Bilbao? Yeah, Garnacho. Of course, now it is easy for us to talk about a lot of views.”
With United set to miss out on European football next season, the club faces a critical summer — and Garnacho’s future remains one of several pressing uncertainties.
