Aston Villa Join The Race For This Wantaway Manchester United Attacker: Why Emery Must Make The Call | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Daily Mail is believed to be true, Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Alejandro Garnacho. But they are not alone in the hunt, with fellow English heavyweights Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also monitoring the situation of the Manchester United outcast.

The 21-year-old winger had a fallout last season with Ruben Amorim, who has now excluded him from the pre-season camp alongside Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia. All five are expected to part ways soon, and Garnacho is prioritising a Premier League move. The Red Devils value him at £70m, but the broken relationship could force them to sanction a cut-price transfer.

The Argentine wideman progressed through the academy ranks of Getate, Atletico Madrid and Man United before breaking into the latter’s senior squad under interim chief Ralf Rangnick towards the closure of the 2021-22 season. His gametime increased under Erik ten Hag, as he emerged as one of the most exciting prospects with his flair, finesse and footwork in and around the attacking third.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United shoots for score their first side goal that after it would be disallowed during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on December 26, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

However, the dismissal of Ten Hag and the appointment of Amorim as the Dutchman’s successor had an adverse effect on his development. Despite scoring 11 goals and setting up 10 times in 58 outings across competitions, Garnacho struggled to attune to the Portuguese’s style of play.

Why Garnacho Would Fit In Emery’s Formation

Amorim deployed him as a ‘number 10’ on most occasions, but he is most effective from the left as an inverted winger. He prefers to cut inside to use his stronger right foot, and the wantaway youngster could fulfil his potential if he joins the Lions over the other suitors.

Born in Madrid, Garnacho represented Spain at U18 level before switching his allegiance to La Albiceleste. Unai Emery, the Aston Villa boss, should be able to maximise his potential with assured minutes down the left-hand flank.

The Spaniard loaned in Rashfoard in January, but could not tie him down on a permanent deal, even though the Englishman left an impact with 4 goals and 6 assists in 17 appearances. The club must rope in an able alternative to succeed him at Villa Park, particularly with a few rumoured exits on the cards.

Jacob Ramsey is being eyed by Nottingham Forest. Also, Fenerbahce are closing in on Leon Bailey on a season-long loan. Emi Buendia does not seem to be in Emery’s long-term plans, and the young duo Samuel Iling-Junior and Lewis Dobbin could be shipped out again for regular gametime. Morgan Rogers must be deployed centrally for his creative spark, and Garnacho’s presence on the wide should allow him a free role in their 4-2-3-1 set-up.