Alejandro Garnacho eyed by former club for shock return just days after being dropped by Man Utd for derby clash
ATLETICO MADRID are keeping tabs on Alejandro Garnacho’s situation at Manchester United.
The Argentinian wideman was surprisingly axed from the Red Devils squad for the Manchester derby at the weekend.
New boss Ruben Amorim said he had made the decision based on what he has seen in training since taking charge.
And that has alerted several European clubs — including Atletico, who had Garnacho on their books as a youngster.
He spent five years in the Spanish capital before heading for Old Trafford in 2020.
Amorim opted to start with Amad Diallo, who turned the game in the second half of the derby, winning a penalty and then scoring the winner.
The Ivorian, signed from Atalanta three years ago, is now putting the finishing touches to a new contract with United.
Amorim’s dropping of Garnacho and fellow forward Marcus Rashford surprised many.
But not former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand, who said on his Rio Presents podcast: “This manager doesn’t seem to be the type of guy that will let stuff slide.
“He seems to be a very honest and straightforward guy. We saw Erik ten Hag do this early, going against players.
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“But in time, the consistency wasn’t there across the board with other players.
“The squad then starts picking holes in that. I’d like to think it’s different with Amorim.
“He seems very direct, ‘You’re not playing – that’s it and that’s why.’
“I think in the training ground, he’s instructed all of his staff to keep their eyes open about everything.
“How do these players interact with all members of staff? How are they when I’m not in the room? He seems like a man of detail.”
He later added: “I think something’s gone on in the training ground.
“And I’m not privy to that information.
“But for him to talk about things not related to football about why players aren’t in his squad that week, something’s happened off the pitch.
“He’s thought ‘that ain’t for me’. And by the way, I love it.”
United will be back in action on on Thursday night, travelling to north London to take on Tottenham in their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash.
Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its head
AMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.
The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.
But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…
Andre Onana – 6
He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.
Wasn’t tested that much however.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.
Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.
Harry Maguire – 8
Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.
The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.
Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7
A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.
But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equalise
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.
Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8
The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.
Mason Mount 13′ – 6
Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.
Amad Diallo 90′ – 9
The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.
Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.
Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.
Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6
Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.
But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6
Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forward
Joshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6
Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.
Antony 78′ – 6
Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.
Leny Yoro 78′ – 6
Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.
Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6
No time to have any influence on the game.