Alejandro Garnacho Is Ruben Amorim's MOST IMPORTANT Player Amid 'Changing' under Man United Coach (Opinion)

Ruben Amorim has gained an understanding with Alejandro Garnacho
Ruben Amorim has gained an understanding with Alejandro Garnacho | Stephen Pond/GettyImages

Accusations of a bad temperament and rumours of social media leaks were rife when Ruben Amorim dropped Alejandro Garnacho for Manchester United's 2-1 win over Manchester City in December. It ignited a hailstorm of speculation over the Argentine winger's future at Old Trafford.

Garnacho found himself at a crossroads over how he'd force his way back into Amorim's thinking but along the way he was wrapped up in transfer talk over moves to Napoli and Chelsea. The 20-year-old didn't let such speculation distract him from gaining his new coach's trust and his display on Thursday (January 30) suggest he's done just that.

Manchester United were 0-0 at halftime against Romanian outfit FCSB in the Europa League when Garnacho came off the bench alongside Amad Diallo. The tricky winger was excellent in his second half outing, providing Kobbie Mainoo with an assist and also striking the post with an attempt of his own.

Ruben Amorim: Garnacho has 'changed' since City axe

Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho has let his football do the talking | Ben Roberts Photo/GettyImages

Garnacho was one of two high-profile absentees from the squad that beat City at the Etihad during the festive period. Marcus Rashford was also dropped, and the English forward's response to his first-team banishment appears to have been to push for 'a new challenge'.

That hasn't been the case for Garnacho, which Amorim explained after his appearance in Bucharest (via Fabrizio Romano):

β€œAle Garnacho has changed right away since I dropped him for Man City game. He changed because he understands that i just want to help him and win games."

This 'change' could be the most important move Garnacho makes of his United career because clearly he has a desire to continue playing for the club. He is one of the Red Devils' most exciting young talents, who many forget is just 20.

Garnacho bagged the opener in United's 2-1 win against City in the FA Cup final last season. He's spent so long with the first team now that it feels as though he's one of the senior players which he's certainly not.

The mentality has changed for the Argentina international and with that so too has the club's stance over his sale. It looks unlikely he'll be sold once the window closes on Monday (February 3) in comparision to Rashford who is still linked with a move away.

Garnacho's Silence Has Been Golden

Alejandro Garnacho
The Argentine has been reborn after Man City axe | MB Media/GettyImages

Garnacho hasn't made any suggestion that he's in or out at United, he's let the tabloid press decide what his stance is and this has been another key decision made by the young attacker. He could have doubled down on his frustrations and been problematic but he's instead played his way back into Amorim's XI.

Amorim explained the ex-Atletico Madrid academy starlet's response to the City drop (via the club's official website):

β€œReally good. Trained really well. He seems a little bit upset with me and that is perfect. I was really, really happy because I would do the same."

That's just the attitude Amorim wants from his players, a hunger and determination to prove that they belong at the club. Chelsea and Napoli can forget their potential Β£60m offers because our fans and now the head coach have made it clear to INEOS 'Viva Garnacho'.

Garnacho's not just important for Amorim from a playing perspective but he'll be the benchmark for what the 40-year-old wants from his players. His reaction signifies that he believes in the Amorim way and is on board.