Following Manchester United’s resounding 4-1 loss to Newcastle, Garnacho issued a strong statement ahead of their Europa League clash
Manchester United slumped to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United, just four days before their crucial Europa League quarter-final clash with Olympique Lyonnais.
The tie hangs in the balance following a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in France, with Rayan Cherki grabbing a late equaliser for the hosts.
Alejandro Garnacho was one of the players who were unable to make an impact in the game. The game in Lyon ended the Argentinian’s run of assists in the Europa League, after creating goals in United’s games against FCSB and Real Sociedad.
Ending an almost one month goal drought against Newcastle to bring the score level against the run of play, Garnacho released a damning statement about his sides performance.
A rally to the fans
In a statement published on Instagram, the 20-year-old acknowledged his side’s poor performance against Newcastle.
He said: “It’s not enough. We know you all expect better from us, we’ll learn.”
He also issued a strong statement to rally fans, emphasising how important the Old Trafford crowd will be on Thursday night in order to advance to the semi-finals.
“We need you all at Old Trafford on Thursday. It’s a big day for all of us.” In a time where crowd dissent towards the ownership has been high, as seen by the sit-in protest following United’s dismal 0-0 draw with rivals Manchester City, it’s a powerful statement to speak directly to the fans and rally them for a crucial game.
Garnacho’s vow to improve
Garnacho has come under criticism as of late, coming under fire for lacking a clinical edge this season and missing 21 big chances this season in all competitions, the most of any player at the club.
One of the people that have been most critical of the Argentinian’s performances this season has been Man United legend, Roy Keane. Following Garnacho’s goal against Newcastle, Keane praised the forward for the finish, but it’s something we need to see much more of.
“What then you want is your end product,” Keane said as they watched footage of Garnacho running onto Dalot’s through-ball. “And Garnacho, which [end product] is probably one of his weakest parts of his game, I have no complaints there.
With Garnacho’s vow to improve, this could be a promise to improve his performances, become much more clinical in front of goal and go on a decent run of form. Keane said, “He needs to do more of that. We saw a lovely composure and United back in the game. Absolutely brilliant.
“He needs to see more of that. That’s where he needs to improve his game, his end product. No complaints this time.”
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