Ruben Amorim revealed that Alejandro Garnacho’s surprise inclusion in Manchester United’s starting XI for their FA Cup clash with Arsenal was a result of his impressive performances in training despite a flurry of transfer speculation surrounding the player.
Marcus Rashford, another United forward who has been at the epicentre of endless rumours, was not included in the squad.
Garnacho was dropped along with Rashford for last month’s Manchester derby. Unlike his teammate, the Argentine forward has fought his way back into Amorim’s plans while persistently being linked with a move away – although, mainly as a substitute.
Amad Diallo has been the first-choice option in United‘s front three during recent weeks, often partnering Bruno Fernandes behind one of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee. However, the winger – fresh from signing a new long-term contract – was only fit enough to be named on the bench ahead of United’s third-round tie with Arsenal. Garnacho, rather than Rashford, got the nod.
“Amad [Diallo] had a small issue during the week and I like the way Garnacho plays – he is playing well,” Amorim told the BBC pre-game. “The way he is training we felt it was a good opportunity to see Garnacho start the game.”
Heading into the weekend, Amorim had confirmed that Rashford was back in training and available after sitting out last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool due to illness. However, the 27-year-old was yet again left out of the matchday squad.
It was telling that Amorim pointed to Garnacho’s performances in training and general attitude as an explanation for his inclusion. Rashford’s elongated absence has reportedly been a consequence of his off-field activity and underwhelming displays at Carrington.
Turing his attention away from selection and towards the fixture, Amorim added: “We are focused on being competitive on the small things and on the set pieces that’s a tough thing to beat this team in that department.
“We have to show more aggression in the final third. We have a great history in this competition and we want to win.”