As heavy rain poured over Old Trafford, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faced a critical decision during their match against Ipswich Town. Following Patrick Dorgu’s red card for a tackle on Omari Hutchinson, Amorim had to reshuffle his lineup, ultimately substituting Alejandro Garnacho before halftime. However, Garnacho’s reaction to being taken off raised eyebrows.
Instead of joining his teammates on the bench, the Argentine winger walked directly to the dressing room, signaling to the bench as he changed out of his soaked jersey. This visible display of frustration was seen by many as petulant. When questioned about the incident after the game, Amorim attempted to downplay it but made an unusual reference to former United player Marcus Rashford.
“It was cold and wet, maybe?” Amorim said. “You’re making a connection with Rashford, right? I know, I know. I’ll obviously talk with Garnacho about that.”
This behavior sparked criticism from pundits and fans alike. Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders expressed his disapproval on talkSPORT, stating that Garnacho was “walking on thin ice.” Saunders emphasized that no Manchester United player had the right to complain about substitutions given the team’s poor league standing and warned that such actions could jeopardize Garnacho’s career.
The incident also highlighted deeper issues within Manchester United. Reports suggest a lack of cohesion between players and the manager. While Amorim is clear in his tactical demands, players reportedly feel unable to voice concerns, fearing repercussions. According to a source cited by The Sun, “Players are frustrated about being blamed for the club’s financial problems… They are doing what they are told, whether they think it’s right or not.”
This isn’t the first time such behavior has occurred at Old Trafford this season. In December, Joshua Zirkzee reacted similarly after being substituted early against Newcastle United. These incidents suggest a troubling disconnect within the squad. A united team typically finds solace among teammates during difficult moments; instead, players like Garnacho retreat to the tunnel in frustration.
The episode underscores broader challenges at Manchester United, where strained relationships and a lack of trust between players and management appear to be hindering progress. Garnacho’s public display of dissatisfaction serves as a stark reminder of these underlying issues—ones that demand urgent resolution if the club is to move forward effectively.