Alejandro Garnacho, came into the game at 79 minutes, and it was the crucial moment for Manchester United to equalize but spurs team keep defending to the last day and the game until its over, but Alejandro Garnacho, brother slum Amorim for bringing his brother in at the last minute of the game.
In what was meant to be a night of European redemption for Manchester United, the final whistle of the Europa League final brought only frustration, disbelief, and internal unrest.
Manchester United's 2025 Europa League campaign ended in heartbreak after a narrow loss in the final. But it wasn’t just the result that made headlines it was the fallout that followed.
Young Argentine sensation Alejandro
Garnacho, a rising star whose performances this season had placed him firmly in
the conversation among Europe’s brightest young talents, was surprisingly left
out of the starting lineup by manager Ruben Amorim. What came next was a wave
of emotion both on and off the pitch.
Following the match, Garnacho appeared to
vent his frustration subtly on social media. But it was his brother’s more
direct criticism that brought the situation into the spotlight. The decision to
drop Garnacho, a player who had carried much of the creative burden during
United’s run to the final, raised eyebrows among fans, pundits, and former
players alike.
The Surprise Omission
Leading up to the final, Garnacho had been
in stellar form. His performances in the Premier League, FA Cup, and throughout
the Europa League campaign had shown maturity beyond his years. His flair,
determination, and tenacity had become synonymous with the new-look United
under Amorim.
That is why his omission from the starting
eleven felt baffling to many.
United entered the final with high hopes,
facing a defensively rigid yet beatable opponent. Garnacho, who had contributed
directly to six goals in the previous seven Europa League matches, was expected
to be a key figure in United’s bid for silverware. Instead, he started on the
bench, watching the first 65 minutes unfold from the sidelines.
When he finally came on late in the second
half, the game already felt like it was slipping from United's grasp. Although
he brought urgency and directness to the attack, it was too little too late.
The damage had been done, and questions were already swirling about Amorim’s
tactics.
Post-Match Reactions: Frustration Boils
Over
While Garnacho himself didn’t publicly criticize the manager outright, his reaction after the match suggested deep disappointment. He walked straight down the tunnel at full-time, bypassing the usual post-match pleasantries.
A cryptic message posted on his social media
story a few hours later read simply: “Some things just don’t make sense.”
But it was Garnacho’s older brother,
Roberto Garnacho, who didn’t hold back. In a sharply worded post, Roberto
criticized Amorim’s decision to bench the Argentine, calling it “an insult to a
player who gave everything for this club all season.”
“This final was the reward Alejandro worked for,” he wrote. “He bled for that badge week in and week out. To see him dropped in the biggest match of the season is not only unjust it's disrespectful.”
The post quickly went viral, resonating
with a large section of the fanbase who felt similarly disillusioned by the
decision-making.
Amorim’s Justification
In his post-match press conference, Amorim
defended his lineup choices, emphasizing the tactical considerations that led
to Garnacho’s benching.
“We made the decision based on the
opponent’s structure and what we believed would give us control in midfield and
in transition,” he explained. “Garnacho is an exceptional talent, and he’s had
a brilliant season. But tonight we needed something different tactically.”
While the response was measured and
diplomatic, it did little to quell the brewing storm. Many fans and analysts
felt that United lacked creativity and edge until Garnacho came on, and
Amorim’s strategy ultimately backfired.
Garnacho’s Growing Influence
The incident highlights a deeper truth
about Garnacho’s growing importance to Manchester United. No longer just a
promising youngster, the Argentine has transformed into one of the team’s most
influential players. His fearless style, coupled with a tireless work rate, has
made him a fan favorite.
Throughout the season, he showed up in the
big moments. His late winner against Liverpool at Old Trafford, his two-assist
performance in the quarterfinal against Lazio, and his game-changing runs from
the wing became emblematic of the passion and urgency United have so often
lacked in recent years.
But this final felt different. It wasn’t
just another game; it was a statement moment a platform where Garnacho could
have underlined his status as a world-class talent. Being denied that chance
appears to have stung deeply.
Dressing Room Dynamics
According to insiders, the dressing room
was subdued after the loss, with some players reportedly frustrated by the game
plan. Garnacho, while visibly upset, kept a respectful distance from any public
confrontation. Yet, the emotional weight of being sidelined in such a crucial
match was evident.
There have been whispers of tension between
the manager and certain members of the squad, but nothing has been confirmed
officially. What’s clear is that Amorim’s honeymoon period with the United
faithful is over. After a mixed start to life in Manchester, the Europa League
represented a golden opportunity for redemption. That chance now lies in ruins.
The Bigger Picture
This incident raises larger questions about
Manchester United’s direction under Amorim. While he has introduced tactical
discipline and structure to a previously chaotic side, some decisions have
alienated parts of the fanbase. His bold choices, such as rotating key players
in big matches, may work in theory but in practice, they haven’t always paid
off.
Garnacho’s omission feels symbolic of a larger issue: a disconnect between Amorim’s rigid approach and the instinctive brilliance of United’s young stars.
The fans have rallied behind players like
Garnacho not just for their performances, but for their passion. He embodies
the fighting spirit that once defined this club.
Dropping him in such a crucial moment has
raised uncomfortable questions: Is Amorim stifling the very flair that could
make United great again?
What Next for Manchester United and Garnacho Future
Despite the controversy, Garnacho’s future
at Manchester United remains bright. At just 20, he has already established
himself as a cornerstone of the club’s rebuild. Whether Amorim remains at the
helm or not, Garnacho will likely be central to United’s plans going forward.
However, management must now tread
carefully. Young stars need trust and backing, especially when they’ve earned
it through performance. Benching a player like Garnacho in a final not only
risks alienating the individual it sends a message to the squad about what
effort is worth.
If United want to retain and grow the trust
of their young core, they’ll need to reflect deeply on the decisions made this
season, starting with this one.
Garnacho's Response: Composed but
Conflicted
In the days following the final, Garnacho
returned to training with the same focus and intensity that has marked his
career so far. Teammates say he remains professional, avoiding drama and
refraining from adding fuel to the controversy.
Still, his silence speaks volumes. The
quiet demeanor, the avoided interviews, and the subtle social media activity
paint the picture of a young man grappling with disappointment, doing his best
to stay composed amid chaos.
He hasn’t distanced himself from the club,
nor has he publicly feuded with Amorim. But fans sense the underlying
frustration and many sympathize.
A Moment That Could Define a Career
Every great player has a moment where their
path could split in two. For Garnacho, the Europa League final may be just
that. How he channels this disappointment could determine the trajectory of his
career. Will he use it as fuel? Will it make him stronger? If history is any
guide, he will.
The disappointment of being left out could
become a turning point. Legends are often forged not only in glory but in
moments of adversity. Garnacho, by all accounts, has the mentality to rise.
Conclusion
The 2025 Europa League final will be
remembered not just for the scoreline, but for the missed chance to let one of
Manchester United’s brightest stars shine on the biggest stage. Whether
Amorim’s decision was tactical genius gone wrong or a fundamental misjudgment,
the consequences are being felt across the club.
Alejandro Garnacho, United have a
generational talent. One night of disappointment won’t change that. If
anything, it may light an even fiercer fire in the Argentine’s heart. And while
trophies can be lost, passion, hunger, and talent endure.
As United fans look to the next season, one thing is certain: Alejandro Garnacho will be back not just to play, but to lead, to inspire, and to remind everyone exactly why he should never be left out again.
