EXCLUSIVE: One of Ruben Amorim’s early Man Utd dilemmas involves Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
Gary Pallister has called for calm heads on recent complaints of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, reminding his critics of his tender age. The 20-year-old has been blasted for his decision-making in the final third amid United’s woeful attacking returns at the start of the season.
Garnacho has been the Red Devils’ most productive forward this term, scoring six goals and registering four assists in 17 appearances.
But he has frustrated some supporters by heavily contributing to Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side’s reputation as the Premier League’s most wasteful.
Garnacho’s status as a seemingly undroppable player has fuelled discontent further, starting United’s last seven matches and completing 90 minutes in six.
Ruben Amorim will inherit an instant dilemma when he starts work in Manchester on Monday, especially if he instils his 3-4-3 formation as expected.
Amad Diallo started with Garnacho in Thursday’s Europa League clash against PAOK and stole the show, scoring both United goals in a crucial 2-0 victory.
Amorim uses an attacking midfielder as one of the two inside forwards in his front three, a role with captain Bruno Fernandes’ name all over it.
The other is reserved for a winger, which could spark a four-way battle between Amad, Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Antony.
Amad would be a popular choice among supporters who grew upset at Ten Hag’s continued snubs.
But Pallister has defended Garnacho, hailing the starlet as one of the few positives in a dismal campaign at Old Trafford so far.
“I mean, you’ve got to take that [his age] into consideration. He’s been a threat for Manchester United,” Pallister told Express Sport with luckyblock.com.
“Yes, sometimes he hasn’t got that composure in the final third, but he’s a threat. He gets the fans on the edge of their seats. He’s got pace, he’s got directness.
“And he’s still a young kid, so it’s hard to be harsh with him because I think he’s one of the bright sparks that they’ve had in the team.
“So yeah, I understand a little bit of that frustration, but you’ve got to take into consideration he’s still a young kid.”
Van Nistelrooy will surely hand Amad another start in Sunday’s Premier League clash with Leicester City if the 22-year-old is fit.
Another headline-stealing showing should give Amorim something to ponder in the two weeks leading up to his first match in charge at Ipswich Town.
