Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been ruled out of Manchester United’s trip to Southampton for tactical reasons and not because of his social media activity this week.
The 20-year-old started his first game of the season in the 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool before the international break and looked destined to keep his place at St Mary’s.
However, Erik ten Hag relegated him to the bench and Amad Diallo took his place on the right wing.
Earlier in the week, Garnacho risked the wrath of Ten Hag by liking a post by Fabrizio Romano detailing Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent criticism of Red Devils boss Ten Hag.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the United manager’s decision to drop the winger from his starting XI was a tactical decision rather than a punishment.
Garnacho liked a post detailing Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of United manager Ten Hag
In a recent interview, the Portuguese international claimed that United need to “rebuild” and questioned Ten Hag’s decision to say the club cannot compete for the league.
Although Garnacho no longer liked the post, many fans quickly noticed his activity.
Ronaldo’s second spell at United came to an end in 2022 following a disagreement with Ten Hag.
The Portuguese star reflected on his departure in an interview with Fernando River.
Ronaldo’s comments read: ‘Manchester United manager CANNOT say they can’t compete to win the Premier League and Champions League every year.
‘This is Manchester United! You have to be there, say in your mind… listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I can’t say that. We’re going to try. You have to try.’
“This is why Manchester United needs to rebuild.”
Ronaldo went on to suggest that Ten Hag should take his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy’s advice on United’s values.
Ronaldo said: ‘If Ten Hag listens to Ruud van Nistelrooy… maybe he can help. He knows the club and the club should listen to the lads who were there, as this is really important.
‘Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Sir Alex Ferguson… you need advice from these people.
“You can’t rebuild a club without knowledge.”
Ronaldo and Garnacho were teammates at United and played six games together in 2022.