Erik ten Hag’s relationship with the Manchester United squad is back in the spotlight after Alejandro Garnacho liked two social media posts criticizing his own manager.
Garnacho was substituted at half-time Saturday’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Bournemouthbefore Ten Hag identified problems in the 19-year-old’s area of the pitch that he said had been “fixed” following the move.
That assessment was echoed by Mark Goldbridge, host of a United fan channel on YouTube, who wrote: “Garnacho has been one of our best players this season. Bad first half, but taking him out at halftime and keeping him as a problem is a joke. Many had much worse results week after week and are still out there.”
In a second post on social media platform this season. But again, he is clearly afraid of upsetting higher earners.”
Ten Hag subtly blaming Garnacho in the post-game press conference…not a good idea to throw a 19 year old under the bus who has truly done his best this season. But then again, he’s clearly afraid of upsetting higher earners
-Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) April 13, 2024
Garnacho himself then ‘liked’ both messages, and although he later ‘disliked’ the posts, the gesture had already been widely noticed by fans and United’s senior staff alike.
United consider the matter an internal matter but, with Ten Hag’s future uncertain, any hint of internal unrest could hardly be less welcome. Ten Hag also suggested that Garnacho may not be fully fit on Saturday after only training on the Friday before the match.
Everything follows the internal disciplinary action that was taken in January after Marcus Rashford spent two nights partying in Belfast only to report being sick when he was supposed to train.
Jadon Sancho was banned at the start of this season after a disagreement with his manager and was loaned to Borussia Dortmund, while Cristiano Ronaldo openly said he did not respect Ten Hag before his departure last season.
Sir Dave Brailsford, who is Ineos’ sporting director and now primarily runs United’s football operations, was among those who played in Bournemouth on Saturday.
Ten Hag has just one year left on his contract at United and a decision on his future is likely to be made at the end of the season. United are currently revamping their off-field operation following the respective approaches of Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth and Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox.
