Ruben Amorim reveals true reason behind Alejandro Garnacho substitution during Manchester United vs Real Sociedad

Alejandro Garnacho was substituted midway through the second-half of Manchester United’s clash against Real Sociedad in Spain.

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 tie at the Reale Arena.

Ruben Amorim’s side dominated the first 70 minutes and took a well-earned lead through Joshua Zirkzee.

However, United were left frustrated by a VAR intervention, as Bruno Fernandes was penalised for handball, allowing Sociedad to equalise from the penalty spot.

With fresh energy, the hosts pushed for a winner, but United stood firm and kept the tie level ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

Amorim reveals reason behind Garnacho substitution

United had a small squad in Spain, with just five outfield substitutes and Christian Eriksen as the only potential attacking change. The Dane came on for Alejandro Garnacho with 15 minutes remaining.

Amorim was asked about the decision after the game since the Argentine was providing a threat on the break and a potential match-winner for United.

The Portuguese boss explained that he felt Garnacho was tired in the latter stages of the game and he wasn’t getting back into position in time when United weren’t in possession of the ball.

“I felt he was tired and you see it because we did a lot of transitions in the second half and he was sometimes late to defend,” said Amorim.

“It is hard. Sometimes he’s in a good position for transition but I felt like he was tired to recover.

“I look at the game as a whole and not just in transitions.”

With the way that Sociedad pushed in the final stages of the game and looked the team more likely to score, it may have been a sensible decision from Amorim.

Garnacho’s United problem is clear

Amorim would probably not mind about Garnacho avoiding his defensive duties if he could trust him to consistently deliver in the final third.

However, the 20-year-old is still so raw in that aspect. He managed to provide a solid assist in San Sebastian but he also had five shots and should’ve done better with almost all of them.

Garnacho does not only have difficulties with getting good connection on his shots, but his shot-selection is also inconsistent.

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On several occasions against Sociedad, the winger found himself with a shot on the right side of the box and he tried to shoot at the near post on all of those occasions, but hit the side-netting.

For United right now, making chances is better than getting none at all. Garnacho offers that. He is always busy and creates opportunities, but sooner or later he needs to find a consistency in the box that we’ve yet to see.

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