Manchester United

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag 'speaks with Alejandro Garnacho over social media likes'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 15 April 2024

Ten Hag 'speaks with Garnacho over social media likes'

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reportedly speaks with Alejandro Garnacho regarding his social media activity over the weekend.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly addressed the social media activity of winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Despite being just 19 years of age, Garnacho has already established himself as a key player under Ten Hag on either of the flanks in the final third.

A total of 33 starts and 11 substitute outings have been made in all competitions, with the Argentina international also getting on the scoresheet on nine occasions.

However, there was a notable low point for Garnacho at the weekend when he was withdrawn at half time of the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League.

United had been trailing 2-1 at the break before eventually battling back to secure a share of the spoils thanks to Bruno Fernandes's double.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring against Bournemouth on April 13, 2024 © Reuters

What happened in the hours after the game?

Not since October has Garnacho played less minutes in a single fixture for United, and he appeared to take offence to having that streak reach a conclusion.

In his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag responded to questions over the substitutions by telling Manchester Evening News: "I think we had to repair over the right side. We didn't play well, the spaces were there. In possession, we had to bring a sub there."

That led to a YouTuber criticising Ten Hag for attributing blame to Garnacho when he is one of the youngest players of the team, as well as questioning whether Ten Hag would do the same if it was a more experienced player.

Soon afterwards, it was spotted that Garnacho had liked both of the aforementioned social media posts, before he reversed that action.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag has since spoken with Garnacho to discuss his actions.

The report suggests the situation had been dealt with behind the scenes, but did not clarify whether any disciplinary measures had been enforced.

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho in action with Liverpool's Jarell Quansah on March 17, 2024 © Reuters

Could the incident impact on Garnacho moving forward?

That remains up in the air. While Jadon Sancho was immediately dropped for a social media post criticising Ten Hag earlier in the season, Marcus Rashford quickly found himself back in the starting lineup within a week of an unauthorised night out in Belfast less than 72 hours before an FA Cup tie at Newport County.

United have reached a stage of the season, and Ten Hag is his rein at Old Trafford, where their upcoming games could have ramifications for both.

An FA Cup semi-final tie with Coventry City on Sunday is next on the schedule, before United attempt to stay in contention for fifth place in the Premier League standings.

Only three outfield players - Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Rashford - have made more Premier League starts for United than Garnacho this season.