Ruben Amorim has praised Alejandro Garnacho for his recent performances, claiming the winger has “changed everything” to get himself back in favour.
It is seven weeks since Garnacho and fellow academy graduate Marcus Rashford were surprisingly omitted from the United squad when they came back to beat Manchester City 2-1.
Since then, Rashford has been exiled from the following 11 squads and has dominated the headlines while Garnacho — although linked with a move away — has forced himself back into the lineup.
Garnacho impressed again after coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 Europa League win over Steaua Bucharest on Thursday and Amorim said the Argentina international deserves credit.
“I think he’s not improving under me [because of me]. He changed right away from that game [against] City,” the United boss said, with his comments in stark contrast to those about Rashford, who he has insisted “has to change.”
“The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games. He changed in everything, the approach when I talk with him, the way he recovers.
“He understands sometimes that I’m a different coach, that I’m demanding in my way, sometimes it’s hard the first impact. It’s a different kind of coach and he understands that it’s never in a bad way, it’s always for him, but I’m a different person.
“I think all the merit is from Garnacho and he is improving, and we want to continue to improve with Garnacho. I think he’s improving a lot.”
Napoli and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Garnacho, who United were rumoured to be shopping due to profit and sustainability requirements. It was the same case for Kobbie Mainoo, who also shone on Thursday with a goal and an assist.
While it looks like Garnacho and Mainoo may now stay at the club in January, Amorim admitted he wants more academy players coming through to help on the pitch, and possibly off it through sales.
“I want players like Kobbie and Garnacho,” Amorim added ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
“You have to bring more [academy players through] because that is something that all the clubs in England have to take advantage [of]. The players that come from academy — to play, to feel the shirt and also to sell.”
