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10th February 2025
09:36am GMT
Roy Keane has questioned whether Alejandro Garnacho can be trusted to start for Manchester United, despite his impact off the bench in their 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Leicester City.
Garnacho was introduced at the start of the second half on Friday night, replacing debutant Patrick Dorgu.
The Argentine's pace and attacking threat helped turn the game around after Leicester had taken the lead through Bobby De Cordova-Reid just before half-time.
Joshua Zirkzee equalised for United in the second half before Harry Maguire scored the winner in stoppage time against his former club.
Speaking on ITV, former United captain Keane suggested Garnacho is currently more effective as a substitute.
“I think it suits him when he comes off the bench. I don’t think you can trust him when he starts,” the former Man United captain said.
“When he comes on and the game is stretched, that’s when he comes into his own. They put Leicester on the back foot and the subs made an impact. That’s what Garnacho does well.”
ITV pundit Ian Wright, however, was surprised United boss Ruben Amorim didn’t start the 20-year-old winger.
“I am very surprised Garnacho did not start in this game. He did the same against Liverpool. He comes on and you can’t deal with him. He has pace and attacks,” Wright said.
Garnacho was linked with a move away from United in January, with Chelsea and Napoli reportedly interested, but he remained at Old Trafford. He will now aim to establish himself as a key part of Amorim’s plans.
The Argentina international has made 123 senior appearances for United, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists. In the Premier League this season, he has started 13 matches and featured as a substitute on 10 occasions.
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