Alejandro Garnacho’s fiery reaction to being substituted during Manchester United’s chaotic 3-2 win over Ipswich has landed the teenager with an unexpected bill – a full-team dinner. The Argentine winger stormed down the tunnel after being substituted in the 43rd minute following Patrick Dorgu’s straight red card, sparking a storm on social media. But manager Ruben Amorim, announcing the punishment for Garnacho with some humour, has turned the incident into a teachable moment.
The drama unfolded after Dorgu’s reckless lunge on Omari Hutchinson left United down to 10 men. Amorim’s tactical response was sacrificing Garnacho for defender Noussair Mazraoui. The 19-year-old, visibly frustrated, headed straight into the tunnel instead of joining the bench, later posting a moody Instagram story that set social media ablaze.
But Amorim, ever the optimistic, wasn’t having a meltdown. “He came to my office the next morning,” the United boss revealed. “Twent to the dressing room to change his clothes because they were wet. He watched the game from somewhere different from the bench. There is no issue.” While downplaying the drama, Amorim made it clear that perceptions do matter at Old Trafford. Garnacho’s punishment? Dinner for all the team. “He is a young kid that will learn,” shrugged Amorim, recalling a similar incident with Joshua Zirkzee earlier this season as well.
The episode ensuing the walk away highlights how every move is scrutinized in the social media age. Garnacho’s Instagram story of him walking away to the tunnel drew more eyeballs than Harry Maguire’s winner. “It is completely different for the players nowadays,” Amorim admitted. “You can have 100 good things and then one bad thing, and people focus on the one bad thing.”
With the dinner bill settled, United turn to Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Fulham. Amorim confirmed in his press conference that Garnacho is nursing a minor knock. However, he is expected to feature. While Fulham, still licking the wounds from their 2023 quarterfinal collapse at Old Trafford, arrive hungry for revenge.
Amorim’s men, languishing in 14th in the Premier League, see the FA Cup as a lifeline as it remains a possible trophy and season saver for them. What happens in the game will be confirmed on Sunday, but either way, Garnacho’s wallet is lighter and his lessons cheaper than most at United these days.