Alejandro Garnacho faced a hostile welcome from the home crowd with chants on his first return to Old Trafford.
United fans’ chants for Garnacho
Manchester United‘s victory over Chelsea by 2-1 was more than just a PL contest. Former Red Devils’ player Alejandro Garnacho was on the bench for the Blues. This was his maiden trip to Old Trafford since his exit from Man Utd during the summer transfer window.
The home fans made no secret of their dissatisfaction with his exit. They made chants directed at him echoed around the stadium. It was the same chant the fans sang years ago for Carlos Tevez. Tevez made the switch to Man City back in 2009.
This time, it was rebranded for Garnacho, whose sudden move to Chelsea didn’t sit well with the Red Devils’ faithful.
The game itself kicked off with chaos. Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez saw red inside five minutes for a reckless challenge on Bryan Mbeumo. That gifted United a major advantage. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro punished the Blues quickly. Both scored two goals that set the tone for the first half. But, a red card to Casemiro before the break offered Chelsea a lifeline.
After the break, Trevoh Chalobah’s goal cut the deficit. Although, it proved too little too late as Ruben Amorim’s side held on for a huge victory.
Winger left on the sidelines
For Garnacho, the night carried an extra sting. Even after being greeted by hostility he was never given an opportunity on the field. Despite injuries and his own tactical changes, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca managed to keep the Argentine player on the bench.
The player had been developed through United’s academy and made to the first team in red. He showed promise of developing into a future star and but he left. That said, the frustration from the fans can be seen who used to cheer his name.
Author’s Opinion:
Garnacho’s move might have made sense on paper, but emotionally it was always going to spark backlash. The chants underline how unforgiving football fans can be when one of their own chooses another path.
