Alejandro Garnacho left Manchester United in the summer and signed for Chelsea after falling out of favor at Old Trafford. But he is already red-faced after being given just four starts by Blues manager Enzo Maresca and remaining on the bench when his new team rioted against Ajax on Wednesday night.
Garnacho looked to have a big future at Old Trafford when he first clinched a starting spot on the wing. But he struggled under Ruben Amorim and was left out of United’s starting XI for last season’s Europa League final before turning to the Portuguese manager. He was told to find a new club and favored a move to Stamford Bridge over a move elsewhere.
Garnacho started from the start against Liverpool, but had to wait until early October to make his Premier League debut for Chelsea.
He was also named in the starting XI for the Blues’ trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
However, he got carried away at half-time at the City Ground after being yelled at by teammate Pedro Neto for failing to get on the edge of a cross in the first half.
Garnacho returned to the bench as Chelsea host Ajax in the Champions League this week. And despite the manager using all five substitutes, the Argentine was unable to get on the pitch.
Maresca’s decision came despite the Italian’s intention to use six teenagers on the night, including Marc Giu, Estevao, Jorel Hato, Josh Achiampong, Reggie Walsh and Tyrik George.
And Garnacho will be left wondering if he can establish himself as a first-team regular in west London.
Garnacho attracted interest from Napoli in the summer, but Arsenal and Tottenham were also considering a move, according to reports. And it has also been reported that the 21-year-old turned down a move to Bayern Munich as he only wanted to sign for Chelsea.
If Garnacho had sorted things out with Amorim and remained in the North West, he almost certainly would have played more Premier League games this season.
He may not have necessarily been a starter, but he would have provided dimension in the final third of the pitch that the former manager would have appreciated.
Garnacho’s career at Chelsea is still in its early stages and if he stays fit and continues to work hard, he will have plenty of opportunities this season. However, judging by the start of his life in the capital, it is unlikely that he will soon become a central player at Stamford Bridge.
