Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute for Chelsea in their 2-1 defeat to his former club Manchester United on Saturday evening.
Manchester United started brightly, playing with the assurance of a side full of belief rather than one criticised all week for disappointing performances.
Ruben Amorim’s team pressed with real intensity, and Chelsea were reduced to 10 men just five minutes in when goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was dismissed for fouling Bryan Mbeumo outside the box.
Bruno Fernandes soon capitalised with a smartly timed run and finish, before Casemiro made it 2–0 after a scramble in front of goal.
United looked comfortable, but the game shifted before half-time when Casemiro was sent off for a second booking as Chelsea pushed forward.
The second half, played with both sides down to 10, was largely uneventful until the 80th minute, when Trevoh Chalobah headed in to give Chelsea hope. Even so, Amorim’s men stood firm and saw out the win to secure all three points.
Maresca reveals why he snubbed Garnacho in Chelsea defeat to United
Alejandro Garnacho left United for Chelsea in the summer after falling out with Amorim and it felt like he would end up having some sort of say in the game at Old Trafford.
The Argentine was sent out to warm up in the second half and there were plenty of boos from the United faithful, but the winger never managed to get on the pitch.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed afterwards that this was not due to the reception Garnacho would have received, but instead because Wesley Fofana was tired and asking to come off.
“Garnacho was ready to go inside but then Wes asked for the change because he was tired after a long time so we decided to go for Malo [Gusto], but the idea was to give Garnacho minutes.
“No, no, no,” he added when asked again if the negative reaction of the crowd had an impact. “He was ready, I sent him for the warm up and he was ready but then Wes asked for the change so we decided to go with Malo.”
United will hope to build on this result
Garnacho has spent three consecutive games starting on the bench for Chelsea and he was at fault for a goal when he came on against Brentford.
The ex-United youngster was never happy when he was on the bench at Old Trafford so it will be interesting how he handles a bit-part role at Chelsea for now.
United meanwhile will be hoping to build on this victory after a mixed start to the season, with games against Brentford and Sunderland coming before the next international break.
Amorim’s side could certainly do with getting three wins on the bounce before that period, with a game against Liverpool coming when the team returns after that break.
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