Why Man United must be wary of cunning Alejandro Garnacho transfer ploy | OneFootball

Manchester United have had a busy summer transfer window so far, bringing in the likes of Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo and more recently, Benjamin Sesko.

But United’s business isn’t over yet, with at least one or two more additions likely before the transfer window closes. To free up space, departures are almost certain, and Alejandro Garnacho is one who is nearing the exit door.

Just like the rest of the ‘bomb squad’, a group of five players frozen out and left behind when Ruben Amorim named his pre-season squad, Garnacho’s future doesn’t lie at United, and the club are pushing to ship him out. This development stems from a public spat with Amorim in the closing stages of last season, in the immediate after United’s Europa League loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Tensions between the pair had been simmering throughout 2024/25 but things finally came to a head after Garnacho was named on the bench for the contest at San Mames. Angered by Amorim’s decision to omit him from the starting XI, Garnacho cast doubts over his future while slamming the head coach’s tactical choices. The situation was further inflamed when his brother, known for taking cheap shots at United’s managers and players, took to social media, accusing Amorim of throwing Garnacho under the bus.

Amorim’s response was swift and firm. He informed Garnacho that his services are no longer needed at Old Trafford, making it clear that he should look for a new club. It is understood that Amorim addressed these remarks to Garnacho in full view of the squad, seemingly as a cautionary measure against further insubordination.

Interest in Garnacho has been plentiful, with the Argentine linked to a host of teams both within and outside the continent.

However, it has been consistently maintained that his clear preference is stay in the Premier League and seal a dream switch to Chelsea.

Chelsea planning Garnacho swoop

True to form, Chelsea are once more proving that restraint in the transfer market isn’t really their thing, and Garnacho is believed to be high on their agenda.

Earlier this month, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Chelsea have already opened talks with United for Garnacho. More recently, it emerged that the Carrington academy graduate has a full agreement in place with the Blues over personal terms.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that he is totally convinced the deal will be completed. So why is this deal still hanging in the balance as the window’s end draws ever closer?

The answer may lie in a sly play unfolding between Chelsea and Garnacho – a dangerous game that United must watch closely if they don’t want to end up looking like amateurs.

Garnacho and Chelsea’s shrewd route to forcing United exit

There are suggestions that Chelsea’s hesitation in making a firm approach is not solely because they are hard at work cramming even more players into their already bursting-at-the-seams squad.

There is a growing feeling that this is a deliberate tactic aimed at pressuring United into accepting a much lower fee for Garnacho than their current valuation.

United are believed to want between £50m-£60m for Garnacho, which represents a fair sum for a player of his profile, age, relatively solid experience at senior level and sky-high potential.

Yet, Chelsea value him at a mere £30m, which is just a shade higher than the £28m they pulled in for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, one of their more memorable flops, now offloaded to Everton. A few hours ago, Garnacho appeared to signal that he is biding his time in anticipation of an approach from Chelsea. Notorious for using social media to send veiled messages, the 21-year-old posted an hourglass emoji with an image of himself training in isolation.

Amid all this, United must stay alert to any manoeuvres between Garnacho and Chelsea aimed at pushing through a cut-price sale.

For too long, United have been easy prey at the negotiating table. But with Sir Jim Ratcliffe now calling the shots, things look different. The handling of the Garnacho situation will serve as a litmus test for this new era.

Succumbing to Chelsea and Garnacho’s tactics would suggest that United’s long-standing vulnerabilities persist. Conversely, holding their ground, despite potential short-term setbacks, would underscore a decisive shift in the club’s approach.

Featured image Stephen Pond via Getty Images

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