Man United insist Alejandro Garnacho ‘was NOT dropped because he liked Cristiano Ronaldo’s social media post criticising of Erik ten Hag’… as star is named on the bench at Southampton
- Alejandro Garnacho liked a post describing Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent criticism
- However, he was reportedly left out for tactical reasons and not punished.
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Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been dropped from Manchester United’s match against Southampton for tactical reasons, and not because of his social media activity during the week.
The 20-year-old started his first game of the season in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break and looked set to keep his place at St Mary’s.
However, he was relegated to the bench by Erik ten Hag and his place on the right flank was taken by Amad Diallo.
Earlier this week, Garnacho risked Ten Hag’s wrath by liking a post by Fabrizio Romano in which he described Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent criticism of Red Devils manager Ten Hag.
According to the Manchester Evening Newsthe United manager’s decision to drop the winger from his starting XI was more of a tactical decision than a punishment.
Alejandro Garnacho was left out of the squad for Man United’s trip to Southampton for tactical reasons
Garnacho liked a post in which Cristiano Ronaldo criticised United manager Erik ten Hag
Garnacho came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute to replace goalscorer Marcus Rashford.
In a recent interview, Ronaldo claimed that United need to ‘rebuild’ and questioned Ten Hag’s decision to say the club cannot compete in the competition.
Although Garnacho has since liked the post, many fans were quick to notice his activity.
Ronaldo’s second spell at United ended in 2022 after a disagreement with Ten Hag.
The Portuguese star reflected on his departure in an interview with Rio Ferdinand.
Ronaldo’s comments read: ‘The Manchester United coach CANNOT say they can’t compete to win the Premier League and the Champions League every year.
‘This is Man United! You have to be there, to mentally say… listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I can’t say that. We’re going to try. You have to try.
‘That’s why Man United must rebuild.’
Ronaldo then suggested that Ten Hag seek advice from his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy about United’s values.
Ronaldo said: ‘If Ten Hag listens to Ruud van Nistelrooy… maybe he can help. He knows that the club and the club has to listen to the guys who were there, because this is really important.
‘Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Sir Alex Ferguson… you need advice from these people.
‘You can’t rebuild a club without knowledge.’
Ronaldo and Garnacho were teammates at United and played six games together in 2022.