Chelsea manager believes £40m star 'is ready to start' vs Man United, he is on a mission
Manchester United are gearing up for a blockbuster Premier League showdown with rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has all but confirmed Alejandro Garnacho could make his first start for the Blues in the high-stakes clash.
He said in the pre-match press conference (via Chelseafc.com): “In the last two games, he was very good when he came on.
“So we are happy with the way he has adapted to our style and what we want from the winger.
“I think he is ready to start.”
Garnacho left United for Chelsea last month in a deal worth around £40 million.
He was deemed surplus to requirements after falling out of favour under Amorim.
Tensions boiled over when Garnacho publicly criticised the Portuguese coach for leaving him out of the UEFA Europa League final starting XI.
Amorim retaliated by dropping him from the last league game of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Argentine was part of the infamous five-member ‘bomb squad’, alongside Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia.
Several European clubs tried to lure Garnacho, but the winger was determined to force a move to Chelsea.
The 21-year-old has played twice for Chelsea, but both of his appearances have been from the bench.
He played a crucial role in setting up a late goal for Moises Caicedo against Brentford but also drew criticism for losing his marker in stoppage time, allowing Brentford to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Garnacho could be the most threatening forward, considering he will be on a mission to take revenge on Amorim.
Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro are expected to start in the right wing-back and right centre-back spots respectively.
They will have the primary responsibility to keep Garnacho quiet.United fans will be glued to his every move.
For years, they roared him on with the famous “Viva Garnacho” chants, and tomorrow will be the first time they see their academy star return in enemy colours.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .