Ruben Amorim says Alejandro Garnacho was surprise selection in Manchester United’s starting line-up for the FA Cup match against Arsenal after impressing in training despite speculation of a transfer. It was revealed that it was the result of a great performance.
United’s other forward, Marcus Rashford, who has been constantly rumored, was not included in the squad.
Garnacho was left out of last month’s Manchester derby along with Rashford. Unlike his team-mates, the Argentine forward has fought his way back into Amorim’s plans, although he has been heavily linked with a move, albeit mainly as a substitute.
Amad Diallo has been the first-choice option in United’s front three in recent weeks, often partnering Bruno Fernandes behind either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee. However, the winger, who has just signed a new long-term contract, was only fit enough to feature on the bench ahead of United’s third leg against Arsenal. Garnacho, not Rashford, agreed to that.
Ruben Amorim hasn’t completely lost faith in Alejandro Garnacho/Mark Atkins/Getty Images
“Amad (Diallo) had a little problem during the week, but I like the way Garnacho is playing. He’s playing well,” Amorim told the BBC before the match. “I saw the way he trains and felt it was a good opportunity to watch Garnacho start competing.”
Ahead of the weekend, Amorim had confirmed that Rashford, who missed last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool due to illness, was back in training and available. However, the 27-year-old was again left out of the match-day squad.
It was striking that Amorim pointed to Garnacho’s performance in training and overall demeanor as an explanation for his appointment. Rashford’s long-term absence is reportedly the result of his off-field activities and underwhelming performances at Carrington.
Amorim shifted his focus from selection to the game, adding: “We’re focused on the little things and being competitive on set-pieces, but it’s difficult to beat this team in that department.”
“We have to be more aggressive in the final third. We have a great history in this competition and we want to win.”
