Revealed: Reason behind Alejandro Garnacho’s Manchester derby snub explained as Ruben Amorim admits the winger has not been frozen out long-term

Alejandro Garnacho has been dropped from the Manchester United squad for a show of dissent towards head coach Ruben Amorim, it has emerged.

Garnacho was left out of the Manchester derby along with Marcus Rashford last month and has been on the bench for the last four games.

Mail Sport understands that the Argentine winger appeared to turn his back on Amorim and walk away as the United boss gave him instructions on the touchline before coming on as a substitute against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League three days before the derby.

Representatives for the 20-year-old player denied he was disrespectful and blamed it on a misunderstanding.

United declined to comment but sources insist there is no rift between the two and that Garnacho is not frozen out. However, they acknowledged that Amorim has set strict standards for the players since the takeover.

Garnacho is one of United’s brightest young stars, but the decision to bench him has cast doubt on whether he fits into Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

The incident happened during United’s 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League

The decision to bench Garnacho has raised questions about his suitability for Amorim’s system

Joshua Zirkzee was chosen ahead of him on the left side of United’s attack for Monday’s defeat to Newcastle but was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo in the first half.

Rashford returned to the squad for that match as an unused substitute after a four-match absence, but he is out of Sunday’s match against Liverpool at Anfield after missing training this week through illness.

It comes amid fresh speculation over Rashford’s future in the January transfer window, although he has rejected three offers to move to the Saudi Pro League worth up to £35m per year.

“It’s the same situation,” Amorim said Friday. ‘At the moment he is ill and not training, so we will see in the future. But he’s like a normal player, then I make a selection so it’s the same.

‘I think he’ll be off this week. He doesn’t train. We’ll see, but I think he’s off this week.’

Meanwhile, United are set to activate the one-year option in Harry Maguire’s contract at Old Trafford, with Amorim calling on the club’s former captain to step up in a team ‘starved’ for leadership.

Amorim, who also revealed Amad Diallo is close to signing a new deal, spoke to Maguire in Carrington on Friday morning and confirmed the England defender will extend his £190,000-a-week contract until June 2026.

Both Maguire and Diallo would become free agents in the summer if they do not sign new terms. “Amad is close, Harry Maguire will activate our option,” Amorim said.

Joshua Zirkzee was selected ahead of Garnacho on the left side of attack for the match against Newcastle

United will activate the one-year option on Harry Maguire’s contract at Old Trafford

Maguire was United’s captain until former manager Erik ten Hag took the armband from him in the summer of 2023 and gave it to Bruno Fernandes.

“I spoke to him this morning and told him he needs to improve his game on the field,” Amorim said.

“We really need him and he also has to improve as a leader because we all know the situation he had here. But we really need him right now, so we’re happy to activate the option for Harry.

‘There are moments in a player’s career that are different. He dealt with his problems very well and if you look at our team, we are longing for leaders on the field.

“He’s a leader, he needs to improve that part, he needs to improve his game, so we’re happy to continue with Harry.

“If you want to be a top team you have to be a leader and we have that in the dressing room, but they have to step up. We also have many young children and this moment is very difficult. We can look at the table, but you’re still Manchester United.’

United head to Anfield after four straight defeats in all competitions, having not won in nine years.

“We are going to play the best team this year,” Amorim added. “Right now they are better than us, but we can win every game.”