I know that you don’t really rate me as a manager but it is clearly obvious that you are wasting his talent. You are using him in the wrong position and that’s why he lacked impact in the game against Ipswich Town” – This is according to Ruud Van Nisterooy as he urges Ruben Amorim to rethink his approach regarding a Manchester United player, with critics suggesting he is underutilizing the player’s “raw talent” in the wrong position. A positional adjustment has been proposed to maximize the player’s impact on the team.
A Manchester City legend has expressed optimism about Alejandro Garnacho’s “bright future” at Manchester United, though questions have been raised about Ruben Amorim’s initial use of the Argentine. Critics believe Garnacho’s positioning in Amorim’s debut match, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, may not have maximized his potential.
Amorim deployed a 3-4-3 system, a formation that previously brought him success at Sporting CP. Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo were placed in wing-back roles, while Garnacho operated as one of the dual No. 10s behind Marcus Rashford. Pundit Robbie Savage, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, voiced doubts about Garnacho’s suitability for the central role, suggesting he would be more impactful as a wing-back, similar to how Amad was positioned.
“I don’t think Ruben Amorim’s system suits Alejandro Garnacho,” Savage remarked. “He was used as one of the number tens, but I think he’s better as a wing-back.”
Despite these concerns, Manchester City icon Sergio Aguero has faith in Garnacho’s long-term success. Referring to Garnacho’s recent form, including his muted celebration after scoring in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester, Aguero defended the 20-year-old against criticism he’s received earlier this season.
“People forget how young Alejandro is,” said Aguero in comments shared by the Manchester Evening News. “He’s already shown his worth in the Premier League at a young age. With the support and mentorship of his teammates, I’m confident he has a bright future ahead.”
Garnacho, currently United’s top scorer this season with seven goals and four assists across all competitions, has demonstrated significant promise. Despite inconsistent displays earlier in the campaign, his 11 goal contributions highlight his growing influence.
Amorim’s first match has sparked debates over tactical choices and player positioning, with Garnacho emerging as a focal point for both criticism and praise. As the manager continues to assess his squad, Garnacho’s role in the team will be one to watch.
Ruben Amorim’s early tactical decisions at Manchester United have sparked debate, with Alejandro Garnacho’s positioning in the manager’s 3-4-3 system drawing particular attention. In Amorim’s debut, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, Garnacho was deployed as one of two central attacking midfielders behind Marcus Rashford, a role that some pundits feel does not play to his strengths.
Robbie Savage voiced skepticism about Garnacho’s suitability for the role, suggesting on BBC Radio 5 Live that the Argentine might be more effective as a wing-back, similar to Amad Diallo’s deployment in the same match. “I don’t think Ruben Amorim’s system suits Alejandro Garnacho,” Savage said. “He was used as one of the number tens, but I think he’s better as a wing-back.”
However, Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero offered a more positive perspective, emphasizing Garnacho’s potential and defending the 20-year-old against criticism. Aguero highlighted Garnacho’s youth and praised his contributions this season, where he has tallied seven goals and four assists across all competitions. “He’s already shown his worth in the Premier League at a young age,” Aguero told the *Manchester Evening News*. “With the support and mentorship of his teammates, I’m confident he has a bright future ahead.”
Garnacho’s form, including his team-leading goal contributions, has demonstrated his growing influence at United, despite the positional uncertainty. Amorim’s decision to play him centrally reflects the manager’s effort to experiment with roles in his new system, though it may take time for the players to adapt.
The debate over Garnacho’s best position under Amorim highlights a broader question of how the manager will integrate his tactics with the squad’s strengths. As United continue to adjust to Amorim’s methods, Garnacho’s development and role will remain key talking points.