Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been dropped from the starting lineup for the Europa League final, shortly after posting a memorable image from last season’s FA Cup victory. Given his 57 appearances this season, his benching is notable. Mason Mount was chosen as a starter instead. Amid a tough domestic season for both Manchester United and Tottenham, the match is crucial for securing European silverware and Champions League qualification. Garnacho appeared dejected at the stadium, reflecting on past criticisms regarding his social media activity, as manager Ruben Amorim highlighted the importance of handling external perceptions in modern football.
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been left out of Ruben Amorim’s starting lineup for the Europa League final, just hours after intriguing fans with a social media post.
The Argentine, who has made 57 appearances for Manchester United this season, will start on the bench for Wednesday’s match as Mason Mount gets his first Europa League start since November against Bodo/Glimt.
This marquee event in Bilbao carries significant stakes for both Manchester United and Tottenham, currently languishing in 16th and 17th places in the league after disappointing domestic campaigns, with European glory and Champions League qualification at stake for the winner.
Ahead of the final, Garnacho showed off a new bleached-blonde hairstyle but cut a visibly dejected figure on the pitch at San Mames stadium in Bilbao as the news of Amorim’s lineup spread.
Next to Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon—who had a brief loan spell at Old Trafford last season—the 20-year-old forward looked unimpressed and unenthused before the Europa League showdown, sporting one earphone.
Alejandro Garnacho cut a dejected figure as news of the Manchester United’s starting XI broke
Ruben Amorim excluded Garnacho from his starting XI for United’s huge Europa League final
The star posted an image of him scoring in last season’s FA Cup final just hours before kick-off
Just before the game, Garnacho took to social media to reflect on his goal during last season’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, when Erik ten Hag was still manager.
While there’s no indication that his post correlates with his exclusion from the Europa League final lineup, its timing has raised eyebrows.
Garnacho has been criticized in the past for using social media to communicate hidden messages aimed at fans, managers, and teammates.
He faced backlash for posting a picture of himself looking upset after being substituted during Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich in February, prompting speculation about whether he’s prioritizing personal image over team goals.
Following that incident, Amorim mentioned that Garnacho had offered to treat his teammates to dinner to make amends for his immature post.
‘He came to me,’ the United boss said at the time. ‘It was amusing because the next day he came to my office.
‘I did some digging; he changed out of his wet clothes in the dressing room, watched the game not from the bench, and was there at the end before heading home.
‘There’s no issue. But I explained to him that at Manchester United, perception matters a lot. He will treat the entire team to dinner, and that will be that.
Garnacho arrives at the San Mames stadium, knowing he will only contribute off the bench
The Argentine forward previously found himself in hot water when he shared a picture of his substitution after Manchester United’s Premier League win over Ipswich in February
Amorim later said that Garnacho planned to buy dinner for the team to apologise for the post
‘I believe players experience it differently now,’ Amorim added. ‘In the past, there were just a few newspapers and not much more. Today, social media is pervasive; they can’t avoid seeing news and photos.
‘There can be countless positive stories, but they hone in on one negative. They face criticisms and need assistance in handling that. This is modern football.
‘He understands this well. Players read everything, including minor details. I know them and see their frustration. He was subbed while playing well, and I’m merely trying to support them in becoming better players.’
Man United XI vs Spurs: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes Dorgu; Amad, Mount; Hojlund.
Spurs XI vs Man United: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison