Roy Keane verdict on Alejandro Garnacho speaks volumes amid Man United controversy

Roy Keane verdict on Alejandro Garnacho speaks volumes amid Man United controversy

The latest Manchester United news brings you a round-up of all Roy Keane’s comments on Alejandro Garnacho as the young player continues to be in the spotlight

Alejandro Garnacho continues to be in the spotlight (Image: Getty Images )

Alejandro Garnacho’s time at Manchester United seems limited, with the Argentine joining Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony on the club’s list of priority sales.

Last month, the Manchester Evening News reported that the 20-year-old would be allowed to leave the club this summer if an acceptable offer is received. The decision came shortly after he was omitted from the starting XI for the Europa League final in Bilbao.

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It hasn't been an easy journey for the Argentine youngster since arriving at Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2020. Initially featuring for the academy, Garnacho broke into the senior squad during United's 3-0 win over Moldovan team Sheriff Tiraspol in the 2022 UEFA Europa League, starting alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

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He has now become embroiled in fresh controversy, however, after sharing a photo of himself on social media which shows him wearing an Aston Villa shirt bearing Rashford's name and number on the back.

Over the years, Garnacho has come under fire for his behaviour both on and off the pitch. Reds legend Roy Keane hasn’t held back in his criticism on multiple occasions, and here, MEN Sport takes a look at some of his comments.

'You can't trust him'

Keane believes Garnacho cannot be trusted to start for United, suggesting he performs better as a substitute off the bench.

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Speaking to ITV during United's FA Cup tie against Leicester City in February, he said: "I think it suits Garnacho when he comes off the bench. I don’t think you can trust him when he starts. But when he comes off the bench and you’re gambling and the team is stretched, that’s when he comes into his own.

"United put Leicester on the backfoot and the subs came on. That’s what Garnacho does well. The first half United were going sideways and sideways. He came on and tested Leicester."

'Huge question marks'

Before United’s Manchester derby against Manchester City, Keane shared his thoughts on what the Argentine winger needed to improve in his game.

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"I think recently there's been huge question marks over him, I think he makes decent runs, he is a threat, he does try to make runs in behind," he told Sky Sports. "But his end product has been so poor this year, particularly in recent games.

"That's an area of his game that, if he wants to stay at this Man United team and get Man United competing towards the top, end product is key. If we go back to even Foden, when they're all fit it's the end product, the final pass or actually getting a goal.

"So Garnacho, huge questions, I was a big fan of him last year and thought he was going to kick on but this season, but he's not as of yet."

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'Get a job somewhere else'

After scoring in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester City last November, Keane criticized the Argentine’s muted celebration. The former midfielder argued that players should show respect to fans who travel to watch them play, adding that he should leave the club if he can’t even celebrate with them.

"If you can’t celebrate a goal, there is something drastically wrong with this game," the former Reds captain Keane said on the Stick to Football podcast. "Whatever has gone on off the pitch for any player - it could be family stuff - you work all week, you’re playing the game to score a goal.

"When you score a goal, there should be nothing else on your mind. You’ve got fans who have travelled, paid fortunes to get there, and he’s [Garnacho] on about people having a go at him. People make sacrifices to travel to watch Manchester United, he scores a brilliant goal, they are having a tough time - and if a younger player can’t enjoy scoring a goal for Man United, then get a job somewhere else."

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'Immature'

Keane singled out Garnacho for criticism following the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last month. "Garnacho is immature," he stated.

"He plays in little moments, but he doesn't do enough. We spoke before the programme - you want players for the big clubs that turn up week in, week out. He doesn't do that. He's got a bit of talent; he makes some good runs and threatens in behind. On his good day, you think, 'I like what I see.' But he's got too many bad days."

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