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Why four Manchester United players were left furious with Alejandro Garnacho during 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth

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Alejandro Garnacho has been in the spotlight at Manchester United across recent weeks.

The Argentina international was left out of the squad entirely by Ruben Amorim for the 2-1 win over Manchester City, with the Portuguese tactician explaining that it was a “simple selection” decision.

On Sunday, the Manchester United No.17 returned to the squad, but it was not a fun afternoon as Bournemouth recorded a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, leaving the Red Devils 13th in the Premier League.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
13 Man UtdManchester United17 6 4 7 21 22 -1 22

Amorim introduced Alejandro Garnacho in the 55th minute against the Cherries, although the 20-year-old annoyed many of his teammates 24 minutes later with a brainless decision.

Rasmus Hojlund, Diogo Dalot, Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes frustrated with Alejandro Garnacho

In the 79th minute as Manchester United trailed by three goals, the Madrid-born forward found himself in a promising position on the left wing, supported by several teammates.

Aside from Amad Diallo – who was very deep at the back post – Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund were outside of the box, but that did not stop Garnacho from delivering a mindless cross into a sea of Bournemouth players with the outside of his right foot.

Given the context of how the game was panning out, and the lack of direction on the cross, all four turned their backs in disgust, flinging their arms up in the air in complaint.

Manchester United FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images

Even if Bournemouth hadn’t cleared the cross, it was not heading towards anybody in red, hence why Amad, Fernandes, Hojlund and Dalot were so annoyed.

In truth, Garnacho, who Troy Deeney criticised, uses this technique – known as a trivela – quite a lot, which suggests he needs to practice using his weaker left foot more often.

Ruben Amorim told to change Alejandro Garnacho position

The Manchester United academy graduate had been performing to a decent standard under Erik ten Hag, scoring eight and assisting another four goals in 26 appearances so far this season.

However, Garnacho has not started as well as he would have liked under Amorim in a new 3-4-3 formation, obviously being dropped for the Manchester derby before struggling to make an impact against Bournemouth.

Ruben Amorim gives instructions to Alejandro Garnacho on the Old Trafford touchline during Manchester United's Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

As a result, Robbie Savage feels Garnacho should play at wing-back instead of attacking midfield, telling Amorim on BBC 606: “I didn’t think it (the formation) suited Garnacho as a ten. I think he’s better as one of the wing-backs.

“I think it suits Dalot. I think the player that it doesn’t suit is Garnacho as a ten.”

Wherever Amorim uses the Argentina international, he needs to improve his decision making when Manchester United embark on promising attacks.