New Chelsea Signing Garnacho Opens Up on Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United Spell
Alejandro Garnacho has finally spoken about the difficult end to his Manchester United career, admitting his struggles under Ruben Amorim were simply a “bad moment in life.”
The Chelsea winger made the comments after starting in his side’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
It was a significant night for the 21-year-old. He’s been waiting for a proper chance since joining Chelsea in the summer, and Maresca gave him the nod in Lisbon.
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Garnacho lasted just over an hour before being subbed off, but it was still a moment that felt like a small step forward for him at Stamford Bridge.
Things had turned sour quickly at United last season. Amorim, who came in with his own ideas, didn’t take long to lose patience with Garnacho.
Reports claimed he was frustrated both on and off the pitch. By the final weeks, Garnacho wasn’t even fully involved with the squad anymore.
The Athletic even revealed that Amorim had told him bluntly before the club’s last game of the season: “You better hope you have a good agent this summer.” Harsh words, and they left little doubt about where he stood in the manager’s plans.
To make matters worse, Garnacho’s brother openly criticised Amorim’s tactics after United lost the Europa League final to Tottenham.
By then, the relationship felt broken beyond repair. United fans wanted to see more of Garnacho because of his talent, but the club was already preparing to cash in.
That chance came quickly. Chelsea stepped in with around £40m, and United agreed to sell him to a direct rival. For many supporters, it was a strange decision.
Garnacho was still seen as one of the most exciting young players at Old Trafford, even if he had been inconsistent. But the deal went through, and suddenly he was a Blue.
At Chelsea, life hasn’t been much easier. He hasn’t started a Premier League game yet, and theirs a lot of competition at Chelsea.
That’s why his Champions League start against Benfica felt so important, it was finally a chance to show what he can bring.
Garnacho’s words after Benfica
After the 1-0 win, Garnacho spoke with TNT Sports about how things ended with Amorim at United.
“I think it was a difficult moment there, just training alone,” he said. “But I have nothing bad to say about the club, my old club Manchester United.
It was just a bad moment in life, but now I’m very happy to be here and to play in this competition and to get the three points today.”
Pressed on whether playing Champions League football made those struggles worth it, he didn’t hesitate.
“Of course, yeah. When we were young we dreamed of playing Champions League nights, and we are here now, so I’m very happy. It’s three big points. We needed that after losing our first game so we’re all very happy.”
It was a calm, measured response no bitterness, no digs. Just a player trying to move on.
Maresca’s take on Chelsea’s win
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was also asked about the result, and while happy with the clean sheet, he admitted his team dropped off after the break.
“The effort was very good. First half I think we were better compared to the second half in the way we managed the ball and created chances,”
Maresca said. “Second half we dropped. In the last two, three games we have conceded too many goals and it’s not possible to do that. We need to be better defensively, but a clean sheet is nice.”
For Maresca, keeping the defensive side tighter is a priority, but Garnacho’s presence gave Chelsea an extra outlet going forward.
For Garnacho, it’s all about patience now. He’s still searching for that first Premier League start in a Chelsea shirt, but the Benfica match might be the springboard. Performances in Europe could help him push his way into Maresca’s regular starting XI domestically.
He’s just 21 so he’s still young, though his United exit does not went as planned, Garnacho’s attitude suggests he’s focused on the present rather than holding grudges about the past.
One thing that’s clear is chelsea fans will want to see the fearless, tricky winger they were promised. And United fans? They’ll be watching from afar, wondering if the club might regret letting him go so soon.
