Manchester United duo Coby Mineu and Alejandro Garnacho can leave before the transfer window closes, and the Red Devil may have a red face in the familiar way
Manchester United faces yet another transfer embarrassment if they choose to offload Cobby Mineu and Alejandro Garnacho before the transfer deadline. Such a move could provide Erik Ten Hag with another opportunity to be proven almost 12 months after his looting.
A troubling trend has developed, and players who have struggled to thrive with United being loaned or sold are excelling for new teams. Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa) and Antony (Real Betis) both experienced revivals with last-term loan spells, while Anthony Elanga, Aaron Wang Vissaka and Alvaro Carreras were subjected to an equal reversal after leaving.
However, there are no more disappointing cases than Scott McTominai. That’s after Scott won the Serie A Player of the Year award after leading Napoli to the league crown in his debut campaign from behind Device United.
read more: Rio Ferdinand sends emotional plea to Kobbie Mainoo after his male UTD transfer demandread more: Alejandro Garnacho’s claim about Kobbie Mainoo speaks volume when Man Utd Exit is pressed
Given these examples, it’s easy to imagine how rival clubs would extract excellent performances from promising young people like Mainoo and Garnacho if they left before Monday. And Ten Hag was transparent about his feelings regarding McTominay’s switch to Naples last summer.
“I’m a bit mixed up. I’m very happy with him, but I don’t like to lose him because he was so important to our team,” he told reporters shortly after sale.
“He’s been at Manchester United for over 22 years, and unfortunately that’s the rule. We need to discuss the rules for selling. Clearly, homemade players, academy players, bring more value.
“That’s not right, but it’s quite a bit for everyone, for every part. For Scott, he’s happy with it. Of course, he’s a very good player for Napoli, but for us too.”
Ten Hug, who made Mineo’s senior debut at United, praised the midfielder in August 2024 when he proposed that young people had the qualities to ultimately become “the perfect midfielder.” That assessment relates to the ability of a young man in all respects of his central role.
Previously hailed as the most promising talent to emerge from United youth setups in recent memory, Mainoo has found himself marginalized under Ruben Amorim. The 20-year-old hasn’t been featured in the Premier League this season and is also hoping to move to Napoli, but United is believed to be blocking that outlook for now.
Garnacho was also defended by his former manager before standing at Old Trafford, and the player is currently aiming to switch to Chelsea. Just 12 months ago, 10 Hag was enthusiastic about praise for Garnacho, positioning him as one of United’s most valuable assets.
When the Dutch were asked last summer whether South Americans could become one of the elites of football, he replied: “World-class player? He has to come a long way. He has high potential.
“He showed last season he could contribute and become a starting XI player. It starts with a lot of effort to jump and become a world-class player.
Garnacho’s attitude seems to put him in Amorim’s bad book and place him ahead of what appears to be a possible switch to West London. The Argentinian was forced to train separately from the main group in December 2024, coinciding with reports that he and his brother had led to allegations that someone on the team had leaked tactical information.
In the last two campaigns, only skipper Bruno Fernandez (34 goals) and frontman Rasmus Hoyland (26) scored more times among United players than Garnacho (21). In terms of the struggles that have continued to come, I understand why some fans don’t want to see the winger go.
United faced ridiculous laughs from supporters for offloading McTominay for under £30 million, considering his rapid success in Italy. Mainoo may still be around for now, but there is real concern that a £40 million price tag placed in a 21-year-old Chelsea-bound Garnacho suggests that the same mistake could happen again.
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